The Birth of Jesus

1. And it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2. This was the first registration, made while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3. And 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 the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5. to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, being great with child.
6. And it came about, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should give birth.
7. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And behold, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
11. “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
12. “And this shall be a sign to you; you shall find the babe wrapped in 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 on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The Shepherds Visit Jesus

15. And it came about, when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.”
16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19. But Mary kept 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 told to them.

The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus

21. And 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.
22. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were complete, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord,
23. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens 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.”

Simeon’s Prophecy

25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26. And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28. then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29. “Lord, now You will let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. 
30. For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31. Which you have prepared before the face of all people;
32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35. (Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna the Prophetess

36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
37. And she was a widow of about eighty-four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer both night and day.
38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Childhood of Jesus

39. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, 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 after the custom of the feast.
43. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother were not aware of this.
44. But they, supposing him to be in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their relatives and acquaintance.
45. And when they did not find him, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46. And it came about, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”
49. And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50. And they did not understand the words which he spoke to them.
51. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.