And it
came to pass in those days, that there went out a
decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world
should be taxed.
02 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius
was governor of Syria.)
03 And all went to be taxed, every one into his
own city.
04 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of
the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city
of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he
was of the house and lineage of David:)
05 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being
great with child.
06 And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered.
07 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.
08 And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night.
09 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone
away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to
pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and
Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known
abroad the saying which was told them concerning
this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those
things which were told them by the shepherds.
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, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the
circumcising of the child, his name was called
JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification
according to the law of Moses were accomplished,
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 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 the same man was just
and devout, waiting for the consolation of
Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy
Ghost, that he should not see death, before he
had seen the Lord's Christ.
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27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and
when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to
do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed
God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of
all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory
of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those
things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary
his mother, Behold, this child is set for the
fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for
a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own
soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may
be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the
daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she
was of a great age, and had lived with an husband
seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and
four years, which departed not from the temple,
but served God with fastings and prayers night
and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks
likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all
them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things
according to the law of the Lord, they returned
into 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
at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up
to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they
returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in
Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of
it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the
company, went a day's journey; and they sought
him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back
again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days
they found him in the temple, sitting in the
midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and
asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his
understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and
his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus
dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have
sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is
it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be
about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the
saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to
Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his
mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and
in favour with God and man.
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