Luke 2

Now it came to pass in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the inhabited world for taxation.

This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

And everyone went to be registered, each to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and family line of David,

to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

Now it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to give birth.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no space for them in the guest room.

And there were shepherds in the same area, living out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night.

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were frightened with great fear.

And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for listen, I bring you good news that will cause great joy, which will be for all the people.

For to you was born this day in the city of David the Savior, who is the Messiah and Lord.

And this will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying,

“Glory in the highest heavens to God, and on earth peace among people with whom he is well pleased.”

And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.

And after they saw it, they made it known about the message that had been spoken to them about this child.

And all who heard it were amazed at the things that were told to them by the shepherds.

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen; everything was just as it had been spoken to them.

And when eight days were completed for him to be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, the name he was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

And when the days of their ceremonial cleansing according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,

(just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that first opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord),

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And Look! There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and deeply religious, waiting for the comforting of Israel, and holy spirit was upon him.

And it had been revealed to him by the holy spirit, that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

And he came by the spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law,

then he took him into his arms and blessed God and said,

“Now Master, you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word,

since my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared before the face of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people, Israel.”

And his father and his mother were amazed at the things that were being said about him.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Look! This child is appointed to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be continually opposed,

(yes, and a broadsword will pierce through your own soul), so that the reasoning of many hearts will be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

and then as a widow until the age of 84), who did not depart from the Temple, serving with fasting and prayers night and day.

And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God, and to speak about him to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

And every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.

And when he was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom.

And when they had completed the days of the feast, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it,

but assuming him to be in the caravan, they went a day’s journey. And they were diligently searching for him among their relatives and acquaintances,

and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, diligently searching for him.

And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

And when they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Child, why did you do this to us? Look here! Your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

And he said to them, “Why is it that you were searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

And they did not understand the statement that he spoke to them.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he submitted to them. And his mother was keeping all these things in her heart.

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.