Christ is Born

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 aThis census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to bthe city of David, which is called Bethlehem, cbecause he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, dhis betrothed 1wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And eshe brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a 2manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And 3behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, fand they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, g“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy hwhich will be to all people. 11 iFor there is born to you this day in the city of David ja Savior, kwho is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a 4manger.”

13 lAnd suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory mto God in the highest,

And on earth npeace, ogoodwill 5toward men!”

The Shepherds Visit Jesus

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made 6widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 pBut Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and qpraising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Christ is Circumcised

21 rAnd when eight days were completed 7for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called sJesus, the name given by the angel tbefore He was conceived in the womb.

22 Now when uthe days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 v(as it is written in the law of the Lord, w“Every male who 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, x“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon’s Prophecy

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, ywaiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not zsee death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came aby the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, bnow You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

According to Your word;

30 For my eyes chave seen Your salvation

31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32 dA light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 8And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the efall and rising of many in Israel, and for fa sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, ga sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna’s Testimony

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of hAsher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow 9of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers inight and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to 1the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who jlooked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Jesus Returns to Nazareth

Matt. 2:19–23

39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 kAnd the Child grew and became strong 2in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.