Luke 2

Thomson(i) 1 Now it happened in those days, that an edict came forth from Caesar Augustus, that this whole inhabited land should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrolment; it was made when Cyrenius was a governor of Syria; 3 and all went to be enrolled, every one to his own city, 4 and accordingly Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and patriarchal family of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was then great with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came that she should be delivered; 7 and she brought forth her son, the first born, and swathed him, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the house appropriate to lodging. 8 Now in that country there were shepherds in the open fields tending their flocks by turns, during the night watches. 9 And lo! an angel of the Lord stood by them; and a glory of the Lord shone around them; at which they were greatly affrighted. 10 Whereupon the angel said to them, Be not afraid; for lo! I bring you glad tidings; matter of great joy, which it will be to all the people 11 That to you there is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign for you. You will find a babe swathed, lying in the manger. 13 Then 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 among men! 15 And as soon as the angels withdrew from them to heaven; the men; the shepherds said one to another, "come, let us go to Bethlehem and see this which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us." 16 So they went with all speed, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe that lay in the manger; 17 and, having seen, they divulged what had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all that heard were amazed at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her mind. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, agreeably to what had been declared to them. 21 Now when eight days were accomplished, at circumcising the child, he was named Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of her purification were accomplished according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, that every male, who is the first born of his mother, is to be accounted consecrate to the Lord; 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is prescribed in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. 25 And behold there was at Jerusalem a man whose name was Simeon. This man, being righteous and devout, was waiting for the consolation of Israel; and there was a holy spirit upon him. 26 Now it had been revealed to him by the holy spirit, that he should not see death until he had seen the Christ of the Lord; 27 and he had come by the spirit to the temple. And when the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Now, O Lord, thou dismissest thy servant in peace according to thy word, 30 since mine eyes have seen that salvation of thine, 31 which thou hast prepared in the sight of all peoples, 32 a light to illuminate the nations; the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And while Joseph and the mother of the child were wondering at the things spoken concerning him, 34 Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold this child is destined for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel, and for an object of calumny 35 [yea, a sword will pass through thy soul also] so that the ill grounded reasoning of many hearts will be revealed. 36 There was also one Anna, a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years. Having lived seven years with a husband from her virgin state, 37 she was now a widow, about eighty four years old, who departed not from the temple, performing religious service, with fasting and prayers, night and day. 38 She coming up at that instant, did, in a responsive strain, give thanks to the Lord; and she spake of him to all those in Jerusalem who were expecting a deliverance. 39 And 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, being filled with wisdom, and there was a divine gracefulness upon him. 41 Now his parents used to go up every year to Jerusalem at the festival of the passover. 42 So when he was twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the festival, 43 and finished the days; when they set out on their return, the child Jesus staid behind at Jerusalem. And neither Joseph nor his mother knew it; 44 but supposing that he was in the company, they went a day's journey. Then they sought him among their relations and acquaintance; 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And after three days, they found him in the temple, silting in the midst of the teachers, and hearing them, and asking them questions." 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding, and his answers; 48 and they who saw him were amazed. And his mother said to him, Son, Why hast thou dealt thus with us? Behold thy father and I have been seeking thee with sorrow. 49 Whereupon he said to them, Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be at my father's? 50 But they did not comprehend the meaning of what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and continued subject to them. And his mother kept all these things in her mind. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.