| 1 | And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. |
| 2 | This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. |
| 3 | And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. |
| 4 | And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, |
| 5 | To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. |
| 6 | And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. |
| 7 | And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up 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 watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. |
| 9 | And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. |
| 10 | And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: |
| 11 | For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. |
| 12 | And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. |
| 13 | And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: |
| 14 | Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. |
| 15 | And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. |
| 16 | And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. |
| 17 | And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. |
| 18 | And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. |
| 19 | But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. |
| 20 | And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. |
| 21 | And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. |
| 22 | And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: |
| 23 | As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: |
| 24 | And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: |
| 25 | And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. |
| 26 | And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. |
| 27 | And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, |
| 28 | He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: |
| 29 | Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; |
| 30 | Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, |
| 31 | Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: |
| 32 | A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. |
| 33 | And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. |
| 34 | And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; |
| 35 | And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. |
| 36 | And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. |
| 37 | And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. |
| 38 | Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. |
| 39 | And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. |
| 40 | And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. |
| 41 | And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, |
| 42 | And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, |
| 43 | And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. |
| 44 | And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. |
| 45 | And not finding him, they returned into 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, hearing them, and asking them questions. |
| 47 | And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. |
| 48 | And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. |
| 49 | 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? |
| 50 | And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. |
| 51 | And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. |
| 52 | And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. |
