Chapter 2

Now it came to pass in those days, that a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should be taken.

This first census took place while Cyrinus was governor of Syria.

And all were going, each to his own town, to register.

And Joseph also went from Galilee out of the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem---because he was of the house and family of David---

to register, together with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

And it came to pass while they were there, that the days of her to be delivered were fulfilled.

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. The Shepherds

And there shepherds in the same district living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of God shone round about them, and they feared exceedingly.

And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people;

for today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

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

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will."

And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, that the shepherds were saying to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."

So they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

And when they had seen, they understood what had been told them concerning this child.

And all who heard marvelled at the thing told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept in mind all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken to them. Circumcision and Presentation

And when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision, his name was called Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

And when the days of her purification were fulfilled according to the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord---

as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"---

and to offer sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

And behold, there was in Jerusalem a man named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,

he also received him into his arms and blessed God, saying,

"Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace;

Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,

which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:

A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel."

And his father and mother were marvelling at the things spoken concerning him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted.

And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

There was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood,

and by herself as a widow to eighty-four years. She never left the temple, with fastings and prayers worshipping night and day.

And coming up at that very hour, she began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had fulfilled all things prescribed in the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, into their own town of Nazareth.

And the child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon him. The Child Jesus in the Temple

And his parents were wont to go every year to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover.

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

And after they had fulfilled the days, when they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it.

But thinking that he was in the caravan, they had come a day's journey before it occurred to them to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances.

And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.

And it came to pass after three days, that they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

And when they saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold, in sorrow thy father and I have been seeking thee."

And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business? "

And they did not understand the word that he spoke to them.

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them; and his mother kept all these things carefully in her heart.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.