The Birth of Jesus
1 And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the Roman world should be registered. 2 This registration was the first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to enroll, each one to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him, being with child.
6 And so it was, that while they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and Angels
8 There were shepherds in the same region abiding in the field and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy
which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day, in the city of David,
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 This shall be a sign to you:
you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.”
15 And it came to pass, as the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem now and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. 17 When they had seen it, they spread word of what they had heard concerning this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which the shepherds had spoken to them.
19 But Mary was treasuring all these things and pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 When the eighth day had come for the circumcision of the child, he was given the name Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22 When the days of their purification, according to the law of Moses, were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
The Prophecy of Simeon
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.
27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, to fulfill the custom of the law, 28 Simeon received him into his arms, blessed God and said,
29 “Now let your servant depart in peace
according to your word,
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 Joseph and his mother marveled at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother,
“This child will be the fall and resurrection of many in Israel,
and a sign which many will oppose,
35 and the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
Indeed, a sword will also pierce through your own soul.”
The Prophecy of Anna
36 A prophetess, named Anna was also there. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having been married for seven years 37 and a widow for about 84 years. She did not depart from the temple; worshiping, fasting, and petitioning night and day. 38 Having come up to the temple at the very hour Simeon was praying, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
39 When they had fulfilled all of what was required according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 The child was growing and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem in observance of the Feast, 43 and when the Feast was completed, and they were returning, young Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but Joseph and his mother were unaware of it. 44 Assuming he was in their company, they went a day’s journey. They looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s house?” 50 They did not understand what he was saying. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was obedient to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.