1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first
enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to enroll
themselves, 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
enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being
pregnant.
6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she
should give birth. 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped
him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no
room for them in the inn. 8 There were shepherds in the same country
staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them,
“Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will
be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city
of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you:
you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding
trough.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
On earth peace, good will toward men.”
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the
shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this
thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They
came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in
the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying
which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at
the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept
all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen,
just as it was told them.
21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his
name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived
in the womb.
22 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 who 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.”
25 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 on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s
Christ.*1 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents
brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to
the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed
God, and said,
29 “Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
According to your word, in peace;
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of your people Israel.”
33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken
concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to 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. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce
through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 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, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four
years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and
petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks
to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in
Jerusalem.
39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of
the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 The
child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with
wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 41 His parents went every year
to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to
the custom of the feast, 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they
were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his
mother didn’t know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they
went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and
acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem,
looking for him. 46 It happened after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and
asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his
understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished,
and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold,
your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you
know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 They didn’t understand
the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them, and came
to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in
her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with
God and men.
1 “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew) both mean “Anointed
One”
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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