1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a
decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
taxed.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor
of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is
called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage
of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there
was no room for them in the inn.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the
field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory
of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore
afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men.
15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them
into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now
go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to
pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and
the babe lying in a manger.
17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying
which was told them concerning this child.
18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which
were told them by the shepherds.
19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her
heart.
20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for
all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told
unto them.
21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising
of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named
of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22. And when the days of her purification according to the law
of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem,
to present him to the Lord;
23. (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that
openeth the womb shall be called holy 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.
25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was
Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for
the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he
should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the
parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the
custom of the law,
28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,
according to thy word:
30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people
Israel.
33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which
were spoken of him.
34. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,
Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of
many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken
against;
35. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that
the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and
had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which
departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings
and prayers night and day.
38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the
Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for
redemption in Jerusalem.
39. And when they had performed all things according to the law
of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city
Nazareth.
40. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
