Luke 2

1Now in those days a decree issued from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should register.

2This was the first census when Quirinius governed Syria.

3And all went to register, each to his own city.

4Joseph also went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to David's city—which is called Bethlehem—because he was from the house and family of David.

5to enroll with Mary, betrothed to him, who was pregnant.

6It happened, while they were there, that the days were fulfilled for her to give birth.

7She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guest quarters.

8And shepherds were out in the fields of that same region, keeping night watches over their flock.

9And an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and great fear seized them.

10And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I announce to you great joy that will be for all the people.”

11Because a Savior has been born to you today in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord.

12And this is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heaven's host praising God and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people of good pleasure.

15As the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord made known to us.”

16Hurrying, they came and found both Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

17When they saw it, they made known the saying spoken to them about this child.

18And all who heard marveled at the words spoken to them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it had been spoken to them.

21And when eight days were completed for circumcising him, he was named Jesus, the name by which the angel called him before he was conceived in the womb.

22And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

23As has been written in the law of the Lord that every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.

24and to offer a sacrifice as stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking 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 saw the Lord's Christ.

27And he came in the Spirit into the temple when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for them according to the custom of the law concerning him.

28He took him into his arms and blessed God and said,

29Now, Lord, you release your servant in peace, according to your word.

30because my eyes have seen your salvation

31which you prepared before all the peoples

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory of your people Israel.

33And his father and mother were marveling at the things being said about him.

34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this one is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is contradicted."

35A sword will pass through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.

36And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher—she had advanced to old age over many days, having lived seven years with a husband from her virginity.

37And she was a widow for eighty-four years, who did not leave the temple, worshiping with fastings and supplications night and day.

38She approached at that very hour, thanked God, and spoke about him to all those expecting Jerusalem's redemption.

39And when they had completed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40And the child grew and became strong, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

41And his parents journeyed to Jerusalem year by year for the Passover feast.

42And when he became twelve years old, as they went up according to the custom of the feast,

43After they had completed the days, as they returned, Jesus the boy remained behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not realize.

44But assuming he was in the company, they traveled a day's journey and sought him among relatives and acquaintances.

45And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and questioning them.

47All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and his answers.

48When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I, grieving, were seeking you."

49And he said to them, "Why were you seeking me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"

50And they did not understand the word that he spoke to them.

51He went down with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them, and his mother treasured all these words in her heart.

52And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.