Luke 2

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

1Now in those days a decree went out from 1Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of 2all 3the inhabited earth. 24This was the first census taken while 5Quirinius was governor of 6Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because 7he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she 8gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a 9manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And 10an angel of the Lord suddenly 11stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, “12Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a 13Savior, who is 1415Christ 16the Lord. 1217This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a 18manger.” 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14“19Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men 2021with whom He is pleased.”

15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the 22manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary 23treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds went back, 24glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21And when 25eight days had passed, 26before His circumcision, 27His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

2228And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “29Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “30A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was 31righteous and devout, 32looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And 33it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not 34see death before he had seen the Lord’s 35Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, 3637to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,29“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, 38According to Your word;30For my eyes have 39seen Your salvation,31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,3240A Light 41of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33And His father and 42mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary 43His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for 44the fall and 45rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- 35and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36And there was a 46prophetess, 47Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of 48the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in 49years 50and had lived with her husband seven years after her 51marriage, 37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with 52fastings and prayers. 38At that very 53moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were 54looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Return to Nazareth

39When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to 55their own city of Nazareth. 4056The Child continued to grow and become strong, 57increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Visit to Jerusalem

41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at 58the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43and as they were returning, after spending the 59full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him 60were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48When they saw Him, they were astonished; and 61His mother said to Him, “62Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, 63Your father and I 64have been anxiously looking for You.” 49And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that 65I had to be in My Father’s 66house?” 50But 67they did not understand the statement which He 68had made to them. 51And He went down with them and came to 69Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and 70His mother 71treasured all these 72things in her heart.

52And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and 73stature, and in 74favor with God and men.