Luke 2:1-37 ▼

1 And it was in those days an order came out from Caesar Angustus, for the whole habitable globe to be enrolled.

2 (This enrolling was first, Cyrenius being leader of Syria.)

3 And all went to be enrolled, each in his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (for he was of the house and family of David:)

5 To be enrolled with Mary his betrothed wife, being pregnant.

6 And it was in their being there, the days were completed for her to bring forth.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and swathed him, and put him in a manger; for there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And shepherds were in the country, sleeping in the fields, and watching over their flock the watches of the night.

9 And, behold, a messenger of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them: and they fear a great fear.

10 And the messenger said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I announce you good news, great joy, which shall be to all people.

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

12 And this the sign to you; ye shall find the babe swathed, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly was there a multitude with the messenger of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest ones, and upon earth peace, benevolence in men.

15 And it was when the messenger departed from them into heaven, and the men, the shepherds, said to one another, Let us pass through now to Bethlehem, and see this word done, which the Lord made known to us.

16 And having hastened, they came and found both Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And having seen, they made known concerning the word spoken to them about the child.

18 And all having heard wondered at the things spoken to them by the shepherds.

19 And Mary kept together all these sayings, reflecting in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, honouring and praising God for all which they heard and saw, as was spoken to them.

21 And when eight days were completed for circumcising the child and his name was called JESUS, called by the messenger before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her cleansing were completed, according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present to the Lord;

23 (As has been written in the law of the Lord, That every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to give a sacrifice according to that said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two of the young of pigeons.

25 And, behold, a man was in Jerusalem, the name to him Simeon; and this man just and cautious, waiting the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 And it was intimated to him by the Holy Spirit, not to see death, before he should see the Christ of the Lord.

27 And he came in the Spirit to the temple: and in the parents bringing in the child Jesus, for them to do according to the custom of the law for him,

28 And he took him into his arms, and praised God, and said:

29 Now Lord, thou wilt loose thy servant, according to thy word, in peace:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:

32 A light for the revelation of the nations, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken of him.

34 And Simeon praised them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, he is laid for the fall and rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign spoken against;

35 (And also a spear shall pass through the soul of thyself,) so that the reasonings from many hearts might be revealed.

36 And Anna was a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she advanced in many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she a widow of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, with fastings and supplications serving night and day.