The birth of Christ. His presentation in the temple. Simeon's prophecy.
Christ at twelve years of age, is found amongst the doctors.
2:1. And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
2:2. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.
2:3. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.
2:4. 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 of the house and family of David.
2:5. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
2:6. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in
swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room
for them in the inn.
Her firstborn... The meaning is, not that she had afterward any other
child; but it is a way of speech among the Hebrews, to call them also
the firstborn, who are the only children. See annotation Matt. 1. 25.
2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping
the night watches over their flock.
2:9. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of
God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.
2:10. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people:
2:11. For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in
the city of David.
2:12. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant
wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.
2:13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
army, praising God and saying:
2:14. Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good
will.
2:15. And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem
and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath
shewed to us.
2:16. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the
infant lying in the manger.
2:17. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to
them concerning this child.
2:18. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told
them by the shepherds.
2:19. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
2:20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all
the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
2:21. And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be
circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
2:22. And after the days of her purification, according to the law of
Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him
to the Lord:
2:23. As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord:
2:24. And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of
the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons:
2:25. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man
was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy
Ghost was in him.
2:26. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should
not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
2:27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the
law,