Luke 2

1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the world. 2This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4And 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 lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And in that region there were shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And 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 among men with whom he is pleased!" 15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17Now when they had seen him, they made widely known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22And when the time of their purification according to the law of Moses was completed, 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 who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

25Now 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. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27So he came by 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, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God, and said: 29"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, but worshipped with fasting and prayer night and day. 38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

41His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43And when the feast was over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49And he said to them, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" 50But they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, but his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.