1 ¶ Now it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first done when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And everyone went to be taxed, each to his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from the city of Nazareth, in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, that is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, who was great with child.

6 And it so happened, that, while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.

7 And she brought forth 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 in the same country shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were terrified.

10 And the angel said to them, Do not be afraid: for, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that will be for all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this will be a sign to you; You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.

16 And they went with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

17 And after they had seen him, they made known what had been told them concerning this child.

18 And everyone who heard it wondered at the things that the shepherds told them.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.

21 ¶ And when the eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him 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 will be consecrated to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 ¶ And, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and he was just and devout, waiting for the one who would comfort Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, that he would not die, before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

27 And moved by the Spirit he went into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary according to the law,

28 Simeon took him in his arms, and praised God, saying,

29 Lord, let your servant now depart in peace, according to your word:

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 Which you have prepared in the sight of all people;

32 A light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at the things that were said about 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 that will be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword will also pierce through your own soul,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was very old, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about eighty four years, who did not leave the temple, but served God night and day with fasting and prayer.

38 And having come up just then, she also gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And after they had done everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to 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 for the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast according to the custom.

43 And when the festival was over, as they returned, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother were not aware of it.

44 But they, assuming that he was with those traveling with them, went a day’s journey; and looked for him among their friends and relatives.

45 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.

46 And it so happened, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the scholars, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

47 And everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were stunned: and his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us like this? behold, your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.

49 And he said to them, Why were you searching for me? were you not aware that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 But they did not understand what he said to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them, and was obedient to them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.