Luke 2:1-32 ▼

1 AND it happened in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, to take a census of all the people in his empire.

2 This first census took place during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria.

3 And every man went to be registered in his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Nazareth, a city of Galilee, to Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and family of David;

5 With his acquired wife Mary, while she was with child, that they might be registered there.

6 And it came to pass while they were there, that her days of deliverance were to be fulfilled.

7 And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because they had no place where they were lodging.

8 Now there were shepherds in that region, where they were staying, and they were watching their flocks at night.

9 And behold, the angel of God came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone on them; and they were seized with a great fear.

10 And the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which will be to all the world.

11 For today is born to you in the city of David, a Saviour, who is the Lord Christ.

12 And this is a sign for you; You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel, many hosts of heaven, praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good hope for men.

15 And it happened, when the angels departed from them and went to heaven, the shepherds spoke to one another, saying, Let us go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has happened, as the Lord has shown to us.

16 And they came very hurriedly, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe laid in the manger.

17 When they saw it, they made known the word which was spoken to them concerning the boy.

18 And all who heard it were amazed at the things which were spoken by the shepherds.

19 But Mary treasured all these things, and dwelt on them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard, as it was spoken to them.

21 And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, his name was called Jesus; because he was named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days for their purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, 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 that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;

24 And to offer a sacrifice, as it is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simon; and this man was pious and righteous, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 And it was said to him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, until he sees the Anointed of the Lord.

27 This man was led by the Spirit to the temple; and when the parents brought in the boy Jesus, to do for him according to what is commanded in the law,

28 He received him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Now dismiss thy servant, O my Lord, in peace, according to your word;

30 For behold, mine eyes have already seen your mercies,

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

32 A light for a revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory to your people Israel.