1And in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered (census taken). 2(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be registered, each into his own ancestral town. 4And so Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), 5To be registered with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her Baby to be born. 7And 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.

8And there were shepherds abiding in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were very much afraid. 10And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for I bring you good tidings (news) of great joy for all people. 11For today, in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord, has been born. 12And this shall be a sign to you: you shall find the Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace, good will toward those with whom God is pleased.” 15And when the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let us go to Bethlehem right now, and see what the Lord has just told us that has occurred there.” 16And they hurried there, and found Mary and Joseph, with the Baby lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen Him, they spread the word of what they had been told concerning this Child. 18And all those that heard it wondered at the things that the shepherds told them. 19But Mary kept and treasured all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as it had been told to them.

21And on the eighth day, when it was time for the circumcising of the child, He was named JESUS, the name that the angel had given Him before He was conceived in the womb.

22And when the time of the purification rites 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 firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord”), (Ex.13:12,Num.3:13) 24And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord - “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25And there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; who was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And moved by the Spirit, he came into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him what the custom of the law required, 28Simeon took Him up in his arms, and praised God, and said, 29“Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31Which You have prepared in the sight of all people; 32A light to reveal God to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel.” 33And Joseph and His mother, Mary, marveled at what was said about Him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, “Behold, this Child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel; and to be a sign from God which many shall oppose 35So that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed; and a sword shall also pierce through your own soul.” 36And there was also Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was very old, and had lived with her husband only seven years before he died; 37And she had been a widow for about eighty-four years, and she never left the Temple, but served God, fasting and praying night and day. 38And coming up to them at that very moment, she also gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him (the young Child) to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39And when Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their home town of Nazareth. 40And the Child grew, and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the feast (festival) of the Passover. 42And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast, as was their custom. 43And when the feast was over, as they returned home, the Child, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; but Joseph and His mother did not know it, 44Supposing that He was somewhere in their company of travelers , they went a day's journey; and then they looked for Him among their kinsfolk and friends. 45And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46And after three days, they found Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers. 48And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?” 50But they did not understand what He was saying to them.

51And then He went down with them to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with both God and man.