Luke Chapter 2
1 Now⁺ it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered⁺. Daniel 9:25
2 This census⁺ was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria
3 and all went to be registered⁺, everyone to their own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family⁺ of David. Micah 5:2
5 He went to be registered⁺ with Mary his espoused~ wife who was great with child.
6 So it was that, while they were there, the days were fulfilled⁺ that she should give birth⁺,
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 Now⁺ in the same country, there were 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 glory of the Lord shone around⁺ them and they were greatly⁺ afraid.
10 The angel said to them: Do not be afraid, for behold I bring to you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
12 This shall be a sign to you: You will 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 and good will toward all mankind⁺.
15 Now it came to pass, as the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another: Let us now go to Bethlehem and see the fulfillment of this word that the Lord has made known to us.
16 So they went⁺ with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen this, they made widely⁺ known the things⁺ that were told to them concerning this child.
18 All those who heard this wondered at those things that were told to them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things in her heart and pondered them.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
21 When eight days were fulfilled⁺ and the time came for circumcising the little⁺ child, His name was called Jesus~, which is the name He was called⁺ by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22 When the days of Mary's purification were accomplished, according to the law of Moses, they took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. Exodus 13:2 Exodus 13:12 Exodus 22:29 Numbers 3:13 Numbers 8:16,17 Numbers 18:15
24 So the child was brought to offer a sacrifice according to what 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. He was righteous⁺ and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen Christ⁺ the Lord.
27 So He came by the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
28 Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your Word.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence⁺ of all the people,
32 a light for the revelation⁺ of the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel.
33 Joseph~ and His mother marveled at those things that were spoken of Him.
34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother: Behold this child is appointed⁺ for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and also for a sign that will be spoken against.
35 Yes. A sword will pierce through your own soul also so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 Then came one called Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was well advanced⁺ in years and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity
37 but⁺ then had been a widow for about eighty four years. During that time she had not departed from the temple but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 Now she also came in that same hour and gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about Jesus to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 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 and filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
41 Now every year at the Feast of the Passover, His parents went to Jerusalem.
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 fulfilled the days, as they returned, the young⁺ Jesus stayed⁺ behind in Jerusalem, but⁺ Joseph and His mother did not know about this.
44 But supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives⁺ and acquaintance.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned⁺ to Jerusalem seeking Him.
46 Now⁺ 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.
47 All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
48 When Joseph and His mother saw Him, they were amazed and His mother said to Him: Son, why have you done⁺ this to us? Behold your father and I have been much distressed⁺ seeking⁺ you.
49 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 But⁺ they did not understand the words He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things⁺ in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with people⁺. Isaiah 11:2