King James Version

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own city. 4 And 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. 5 to be registered with Mary, who was betrothed to him and was pregnant. 6 And it came to pass while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to give birth. 7 And she bore her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were shepherds in the same country, living out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." 11 For today a Savior was born to you, who is Christ the Lord in the city of David. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying: 14 Glory in the highest to God and on earth peace among people of goodwill. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds spoke to one another: Let us indeed go as far as Bethlehem and see this word that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 And they came hurriedly and found both Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. 17 And having seen, they recognized concerning the word that had been spoken to them about this child. 18 And all who heard wondered at the things said by the shepherds to them. 19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them. 21 And when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of their purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, 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 give a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. 25 And behold, 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 had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in 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 concerning him. 28 And he himself took it in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 Now you let go of your servant, Master, according to your word in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 Which you have prepared in the sight of all the peoples, 32 Light for revelation to the nations and glory for your people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were marveling at the things being said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this one is set for the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign spoken against," 35 And a sword will pierce your soul also, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, (she was advanced in years, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 And she was a widow for eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, serving with fasts and prayers night and day. 38 And at that very hour she stood up and spoke about Him to all who were waiting for the Redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had completed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, being filled with wisdom, and the Grace of God was upon him. 41 And his parents went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of Passover. 42 And when he became twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast. 43 And when the days were finished, as they were returning, Jesus the boy stayed behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they went a day's journey and sought him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem seeking him. 46 And it happened after three days they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers and listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And seeing him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Behold, your father and I have been in great distress searching for you." 49 And he said to them, "Why are you seeking me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s things?" 50 And they did not understand the word that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus was advancing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.