1Now it came to pass in those days , there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. 2This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria . 3And all went to enrol themselves , every one to his own city . 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee , out of the city of Nazareth , into Judæa , to the city of David , which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David ; 5to enrol himself with Mary , who was betrothed to him , being great with child . 6And it came to pass , while they were there , the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered . 7And she brought forth her firstborn son ; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger , because there was no room for them in the inn .
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock . 9And an angel of the Lord stood by them , and the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and they were sore afraid . 10And the angel said unto them , Be not afraid ; for behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people : 11for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour , who is Christ the Lord . 12And this is the sign unto you : Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , and lying in a manger . 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God , and saying , 14Glory to God in the highest , And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased . 15And it came to pass , when the angels went away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another , Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us . 16And they came with haste , and found both Mary and Joseph , and the babe lying in the manger . 17And when they saw it , they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child . 18And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds . 19But Mary kept all these sayings , pondering them in her heart . 20And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , even as it was spoken unto them .
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him , his name was called JESUS , which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb . 22And 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 that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord ), 24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord , A pair of turtledoves , or two young pigeons . 25And 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 upon him . 26And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit , that he should not see death , before he had seen the Lord ’ s Christ . 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple : and when the parents brought in the child Jesus , that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law , 28then he received him into his arms, and blessed God , and said , 29Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord , According to thy word , in peace ; 30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation , 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples ; 32A light for revelation to the Gentiles , And the glory of thy people Israel . 33And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him ; 34and Simeon blessed them , and said unto 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 ; 35yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul ; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. 36And 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 , 37and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years ), who departed not from the temple , worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day . 38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God , and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem . 39And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord , they returned into Galilee , to their own city Nazareth . 40And the child grew, and waxed strong , filled with wisdom : and the grace of God was upon him .
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover . 42And when he was twelve years old , they went up after the custom of the feast ; 43and when they had fulfilled the days , as they were returning , the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; and his parents knew it not ; 44but supposing him to be in the company , they went a day ’s journey ; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance : 45and when they found him not , they returned to Jerusalem , seeking for him . 46And it came to pass , after three days they found him in the temple , sitting in the midst of the teachers , both hearing them , and asking them questions : 47and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when they saw him , they were astonished ; and his mother said unto him , Son , why hast thou thus dealt with us ? behold , thy father and I sought thee sorrowing . 49And he said unto them , How is it that ye sought me ? knew ye not that I must be in my Father ’s house? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them . 51And he went down with them , and came to Nazareth ; and he was subject unto them : and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart . 52And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature , and in favor with God and men .