1 And 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 made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, each one into his own city. 4 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 family of David) 5 to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should 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 abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the clarity of the Lord shone round about them, and they feared greatly. 10 But the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you a gospel of great joy, which shall be to all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who 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 in man.
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 unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad that which had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all those that heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering 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 he was called 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 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 opens 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 Spirit was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he should see the Christ of the Lord. 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 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 Lord, now let thy slave depart in peace, according to thy word, 30 for mine eyes have seen thy saving health, 31 which thou hast prepared before the face of all the peoples: 32 a light to be revealed unto 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 her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she was a widow eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spoke of him to all those that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had completed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.
41 And 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 having completed 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 acquaintances. 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? Knew ye not that it behooves me to be about my Father’s business? 50 And they understood not the word which he spoke unto them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them, but his mother kept all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in age and in grace with God and men.