The Christ is Born
AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered.
2 (And this census was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria).
3 And all went to be registered, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David):
5 To be registered with Mary his betrothed wife, being 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 cloths, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds told of Christs Birth
8 And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them: and they were greatly afraid.
10 And the angel said to them: “Fear not: for, behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign to you: You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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 of goodwill.”
The Shepherds Visit Christ
15 And it came to pass, as the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: “Let us now go up to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste, and found both Mary, and Joseph, and the baby 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 those that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 And 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 to them.
Jesus is Circumcised
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 was 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.
Simeon’s Prophecy
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it was revealed to 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, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
28 Then he took Him up in his arms, and praised God, and said:
29 “Master, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word:
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 Which you have prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and resurrection of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against:
35 That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also.”
Anna’s Witness
36 And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of eighty four years, who departed not from the temple: but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she being nearby at that time, gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Return to Nazareth
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
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 according to the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had completed the days, as they returned, the child Jesus remained 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 teachers, both listening to 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 to Him: “Son, why have you treated us in this way? behold, your father and I, have in distress sought you.”
49 And He said to them: “How is it that you sought me? do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?
50 And they understood not the saying which He spoke to them.
51 And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to 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.