Verse 1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. Verse 2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Verse 3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. Verse 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; Verse 5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him, being pregnant. Verse 6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. Verse 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and placed him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. Verse 8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. Verse 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Verse 10 The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. Verse 11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah, the Lord. Verse 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." Verse 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, Verse 14 "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased." Verse 15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the men, the shepherds, said one to another, "Let us go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Verse 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. Verse 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. Verse 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. Verse 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. Verse 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. Verse 21 When eight days were fulfilled to circumcise him, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Verse 22 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 Verse 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), Verse 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Verse 25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. Verse 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Verse 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the requirement of the Law, Verse 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, Verse 29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; Verse 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, Verse 31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; Verse 32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." Verse 33 And his father and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, Verse 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Verse 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Verse 36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, Verse 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. Verse 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. Verse 39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. Verse 40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Verse 41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. Verse 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast, Verse 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, Verse 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. Verse 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. Verse 46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. Verse 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Verse 48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you." Verse 49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" Verse 50 They did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. Verse 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Verse 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.