Luke 2

1. Now it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2. (This registration first occurred when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3. Then all went to be registered, each to his own city.

4. And 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 from the house and lineage of David

5. To register himself along with Mary, who was betrothed to him as wife, and was great with child.

6. And it came to pass that during the time they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to give birth.

7. And she gave birth to her Son, the firstborn, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8. Now there were shepherds in the same country, who were dwelling in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night;

9. And suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shined round about them; and they were seized with great fear.

10. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I am announcing to you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people;

11. For today, in the city of David, a Savior was born to you, Who is Christ the Lord.

12. Now this is the sign for you: you shall find a 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 peace on earth among men of goodwill.”

15. And it came to pass, as the angels were departing from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now as far as Bethlehem, and let us see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16. And they made haste, and came and found both Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger.

17. Now after seeing Him, they made known everywhere the proclamation that they had been told concerning this little Child.

18. And all those who heard were filled with wonder by the things that were spoken to them by the shepherds.

19. But Mary stored up all these sayings, pondering 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 said to them.

21. Now when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising the little Child, His name was called Jesus, which He was named by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22. And when the days were fulfilled for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord;

23. As it is written in the law of the Lord that every male opening 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 this man was righteous and reverent, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26. Now it had been divinely communicated to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

27. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the little Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,

28. He also received Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29. “Now You may let your servant depart in peace, O Master, according to Your word;

30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

31. Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples;

32. A light for the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.”

33. And Joseph and His mother wondered at the things that were being spoken concerning Him.

34. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, His mother, “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against,

35. (And you also, a sword shall go through your own soul) in order that the imaginations of many hearts may be revealed.”

36. Now there was 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 was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, serving day and night with fastings and supplications.

38. And at the same time she came up, giving praise to the Lord; and she spoke concerning Him to all those in Jerusalem who were waiting for redemption.

39. Now when they had completed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

40. And the little Child grew and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

41. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

42. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

43. But when they departed after completing the days, the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and His mother did not know it;

44. But supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and looked for Him among the relatives and among the acquaintances.

45. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

46. Now it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them.

47. And all those who were listening to Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

48. But when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You dealt with us in this manner? Look, Your father and I have been very distressed while searching for You.”

49. And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Don’t you realize that I must be about My Father’s business?”

50. But they did not understand the words that He spoke to them.

51. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He was subject to them. But His mother kept all these things in her heart.

52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.