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1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole inhabited world should be registered. 2 This was the first census, taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he belonged to the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, who was pledged in marriage to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She bore her firstborn son, wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the lodging place.
8 In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 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 among those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried there and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw him, they made known what they had been told about this child. 18 All who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
21 When eight days had passed and it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord,” 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 He came into the temple in the Spirit. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him into his arms, blessed God, and said,
29 “Now, Sovereign Lord, you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word,
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Look, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce your own soul too), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving with fasting and prayers night and day. 38 She came up at that very hour and gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast. 43 When the days were over and they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking he was in the traveling company, they went a day’s journey and began looking for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.