Luke 2
Christ Born of Mary
1
And it came to pass in those days that a
decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all
the world should be registered.
2
This 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 the city of
David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was
of the house and lineage of David,
5
to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,
who was with child.
6
So it was, that while they were there, the days
were completed for her to be delivered.
7
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and
wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in
a manger, because there was no room for them in
the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8
Now there were in the same country shepherds
living out in the fields, keeping watch over
their flock by night.
9
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before
them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were greatly afraid.
10
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid,
for behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy which will be to all people.
11
For there is born to you this day in the city of
David a Savior, who 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 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, goodwill toward men!”
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
widely 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
But Mary kept all these things and pondered
them in her heart.
20
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all the things that they had
heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21
And when eight days were completed for the
circumcision of the Child, His name was called
JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was
conceived in the womb.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22
Now when the days of her purification according
to the law of Moses were completed, they brought
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”),
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.”
Simeon Sees God’s Salvation
25
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose
name was Simeon, and this man was
just and devout, waiting 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 see death before he had
seen the Lord’s Christ.
27
So he came by 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, now 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 before the face
of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to
the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33
And 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 fall and rising of many in Israel, and
for a sign which will be spoken against
35
(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul
also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed.”
Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
36
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the
daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was of a great age, and had lived with a husband
seven years from her virginity;
37
and this woman was a widow of about
eighty-four years, who did not depart from the
temple, but served God with fastings and
prayers night and day.
38
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to
the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who
looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Family Returns to Nazareth
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
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was
upon Him.
The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars
41
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
Feast of the Passover.
42
And when He was twelve years old, they went up
to Jerusalem according to the custom of the
feast.
43 When they had finished the days, as
they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in
Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not
know it;
44
but supposing Him to have been in the company,
they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among
their relatives and acquaintances.
45
So when they did not find Him, they returned to
Jerusalem, seeking Him.
46
Now so it was that after three days they
found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of
the teachers, both listening to them and asking
them questions.
47
And all who heard Him were astonished at His
understanding and answers.
48
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His
mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this
to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You
anxiously.”
49
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did
you not know that I must be about My Father’s
business?”
50
But they did not understand the statement which
He spoke to them.
Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor
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 men.
