The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)

1Now it came to pass, in those days, that there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited earth should be enrolled. 2(This enrolment first was made, when Quirinius was governor of Syria). 3And all were going to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5to enrol himself with Mary his betrothed wife, being with child. 6And it came to pass, while they were there, that the days were fulfilled for her to give birth; 7and she brought forth her Son, the Firstborn, 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 the Angels

8And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were greatly frightened. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which, indeed, shall be to all the people; 11because there was born to-day, in the city of David, a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord. 12And this is the sign to you: ye will find a Babe 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; and, on earth, peace among men of good will!"

15And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into Heaven, that the shepherds were saying one to another, "Let us go over at once to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord made known to us." 16And, making haste, they went, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. 17And, having seen Him, they made known concerning the saying spoken to them about this Child. 18And all who heard wondered at the things spoken to them by the shepherds. 19But Mary was closely keeping all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they heard and saw, as it was spoken to them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21And, when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising Him, His name was called Jesus?which was so called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22And, when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, 23(as it has been written in the law of the Lord?"Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"); 24and to offer sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons."

The Prophecy of Simeon

25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking 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 should see the Christ of the Lord. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and, when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, that they might do concerning Him according to the custom of the law, 28he received Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29"Now Thou releasest Thy servant in peace, Lord, according to Thy word;

30because my eyes saw Thy Salvation,

31Which Thou didst prepare before the face of all peoples;

32a Light for a revelation to the nations, and for a glory of Thy people Israel."

33And His father and mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning Him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, This Child is set for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against, 35(and a sword shall pierce through your own soul); that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

The Prophecy of Anna

36And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, (she was far advanced in days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37and she had been a widow as much as eighty-four years), who departed not from the temple, serving with fastings and supplications night and day. 38And, coming up at that very hour, she was making confession to God, and was speaking concerning Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth
(Matthew 2:19–23)

39And, when they accomplished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40And the Child was growing, and was becoming strong, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41And His parents used to go annually to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. 42And, when He became twelve years old, they, going up according to the custom of the feast, 43and having completed the days, as they were returning, the Boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew it not; 44but, supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they were seeking Him among their kindred and acquaintances; 45and, not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46And it came to pass that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48And, seeing Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Child, why didst Thou treat us thus? Behold, Thy father and I were seeking Thee, sorrowing!" 49And He said to them, "Why were ye seeking Me? Did ye not know that I must be in My Father's business?" 50And they understood not the saying that He spake to them. 51And He went down with them, and came into Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52And Jesus kept advancing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.