NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that the whole land should be registered. (2)(And this
first enrolment was made by Cyrenius, _afterwards_ governor of Syria)
(3)And all went to be registered, every one to his own city. (4)Then
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea,
to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the
house and family of David; (5)to be enregistered with Mary, the wife
espoused to him, who was big with child. (6)And it came to pass, while
they were there, that her time was up, that she should be delivered.
(7)And she brought forth a son, her first-born, and wrapped him in
swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn.
(8)And there were shepherds in that country abiding in the open air,
and keeping guard over their flock by night. (9)And, behold, the angel
of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them; and they were exceedingly affrighted. (10)And the angel said unto
them, Be not affrighted: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy,
which shall be for all the people. (11)Because this day there is born
for you a Saviour, which is Messiah, the Lord, in the city of David.
(12)And this shall be a sign for you; Ye shall find the babe in
swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger. (13)And suddenly there appeared
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and
saying, (14)Glory in the highest heavens to God! and upon earth, peace!
towards men complacence. (15)And it came to pass, as the angels went
from them into heaven, the men, the shepherds, said also to each other,
Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath happened,
which the Lord hath made known to us. (16)And they came with haste, and
found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in the manger: (17)and when
they saw it, they made a public report of the declaration delivered to
them respecting this child. (18)And all who heard it, marvelled at the
things told them by the shepherds. (19)But Mary carefully preserved all
these declarations, laying them together in her heart, in order to
apprehend their meaning. (20)And the shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, exactly
as had been told them.
(21)And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising the child, his
name also was called JESUS, the name imposed by the angel before he was
conceived in the womb.
(22)And when the days of her purification were accomplished 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, Every male
child, that openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord; (24)and
to offer a sacrifice, according to what is prescribed in the law of the
Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.
(25)And, behold, there was a man at Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon;
and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of
Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26)And it had been divinely
communicated to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death,
till he had seen the Lord's Messiah. (27)And he came by the spirit into
the temple; just as the parents were bringing in the child Jesus, that
they might do according to what was the custom of the law concerning
him; (28)and he took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
(29)Now dismiss thy servant, Lord, according to thy word, in peace;
(30)for my eyes have seen thy salvation, (31)which thou hast prepared
before the face of all people. (32)A light to give revelation to the
Gentiles, and glory to thy people Israel.
(33)And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things spoken
concerning him. (34)And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his
mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall, and rising again
of many in Israel; and for a marked object to be spoken against;
(35)(so shall a dart pierce through thy own soul) that the reasonings
of many hearts may be laid open,
(36)And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asser: she was far advanced in old age, having lived but seven
years with a husband, from her virgin state: (37)though she was now a
widow, of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple,
attending the divine service, with fastings and prayers night and day:
(38)and at the very same moment coming up, she also in turn confessed
the Lord, and spake of him to all who were expecting redemption in
Jerusalem.
(39)And when they had finished all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, into their own city Nazareth. (40)And
the child grew, and became endued with great powers of spirit, filled
with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
(41)And his parents went annually to Jerusalem 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)And when they had
concluded the days, as they were returning, the child Jesus remained at
Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew it not: (44)but supposing him
to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought him
among their relations and acquaintances; (45)and not finding him, they
returned to Jerusalem in search of him. (46)And it came to pass after
three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the
doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. (47)And all who
heard him, were in a transport of admiration, at his understanding and
answers. (48)And when they saw him, they were struck with surprise; and
his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou behaved to us in this
manner? lo! thy father and I have been seeking thee in anguish of
heart. (49)And he said unto them, Wherefore did ye seek me? did you not
know, that I must be occupied with my Father's affairs? (50)And they
understood not the meaning of what he spake to them. (51)And he went
down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was in subjection to them:
though his mother preserved all these sayings in her heart. (52)And
Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.