[1] Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. [2] This was the first
enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] All went to
enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. [4] Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
[5] to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as
wife, being great with child. [6] It happened, while they were there, that
the day had come that she should give birth. [7] She brought forth her
firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a
feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. [8] There
were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch
by night over their flock. [9] Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10]
The angel said to them, "Don`t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news
of great joy which will be to all the people. [11] For there is born to
you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12]
This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth,
lying in a feeding trough." [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] It happened,
when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said
one to another, "Let`s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has made known to us." [16] They came with haste,
and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.
[17] When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken
to them about this child. [18] All who heard it wondered at the things
which were spoken to them by the shepherds. [19] But Mary kept all these
sayings, pondering them in her heart. [20] The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and
seen, even as it was spoken to them. [21] When eight days were fulfilled
for the circumcision of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was
given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [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 male who opens 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] Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon;
and this man was righteous and devout, looking 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 Lord`s
Christ. [27] He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents
brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to
the custom of the law, [28] then he received him into his arms, and blessed
God, and said, [29] "Now let you your servant depart, Lord, According to
your word, in peace; [30] For my eyes have seen your salvation, [31] Which
you have prepared before the face of all peoples; [32] A light for
revelation to the Gentiles, The glory of your people Israel." [33] Joseph
and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning
him, [34] and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold,
this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for
a sign which is spoken against. [35] Yes, a sword will pierce through your
own soul, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." [36] There was
one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she
was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity, [37] and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who
didn`t depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions
night and day. [38] Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the
Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in
Jerusalem. [39] When they had accomplished all things that were according
to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city,
Nazareth. [40] The child grew, and grew strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. [41] His parents went every year
to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. [42] When he was twelve years
old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, [43]
and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy,
Jesus, stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn`t know it,
[44] but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day`s journey, and
they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. [45] When they
didn`t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. [46] It
happened, 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? Behold, 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 must be in my Father`s house?" [50] They didn`t
understand the saying which he spoke to them. [51] He went down with them,
and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these
sayings in her heart. [52] Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in
favor with God and men.
