| 1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the
first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went
to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up
from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with
child. 6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were
fulfilled that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her
firstborn son; and she 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 abiding in the field, and keeping watch by
night over their flock. 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: 11 for there
is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the
Lord. 12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and
saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see
this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe
lying in the manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known concerning
the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 And all that
heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them. 21 And when
eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS,
which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And 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 that openeth 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 And 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 upon him.
26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should
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, that
they might do concerning him after the custom of the law, 28 then he
received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord,
According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were
spoken concerning him; 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto 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 yea and a sword
shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be
revealed. 36 And 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 even
unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping
with fastings and supplications night and day. 38 And coming up at that
very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were
looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And 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 And the child grew, and waxed
strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41 And his
parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. 42 And
when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;
43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy
Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but
supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they
sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: 45 and when they
found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. 46 And it came
to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst
of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: 47 and all
that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And
when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son,
why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee
sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye
not that I must be in my Father's house? 50 And they understood not the
saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came
to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all
these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and men.
Genesis - Public
Domain
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