Christ Born of Mary
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 aThis census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to athe city of David, which is called Bethlehem, bbecause he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, ahis betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And ashe brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, aand they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, a“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy bwhich will be to all people. 11 aFor there is born to you this day in the city of David ba Savior, cwho is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 aAnd suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glorya to God in the highest,
And on earth bpeace, cgoodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 aBut Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and apraising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21 aAnd when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called bJesus, the name given by the angel cbefore He was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 Now when athe days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 a(as it is written in the law of the Lord, b“Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, awaiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not asee death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came aby the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, anow You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes ahave seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 aA light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the afall and rising of many in Israel, and for ba sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, aa sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of aAsher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers anight and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who alooked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Family Returns to Nazareth
39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 aAnd the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
41 His parents went to aJerusalem bevery year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the acustom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the adays, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that 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 And aall who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be aabout bMy Father’s business?” 50 But athey did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother akept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus aincreased in wisdom and stature, band in favor with God and men. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson.
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