Bible Time

¹AND 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. ²This first census took place during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria. ³And every man went to be registered in his own city. ⁴Joseph also went up from Nazareth, a city of Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and family of David; ⁵With his bride Mary, while she was pregnant, that they might be registered there.

⁶And it came to pass while they were there that her days to be delivered were fulfilled. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because they had no room where they were lodging. ⁸Now there were shepherds in that region where they were staying, and they were watching their flocks at night. ⁹And look, the angel of God came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone on them; and they were seized with a great fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for look, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all the world. ¹¹For this day is born to you in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord. ¹²And this is a sign for you: You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there appeared with the angel a heavenly host, praising God and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good hope for men.

¹⁵And it came to pass when the angels departed from them and went to heaven, that the shepherds spoke to one another, saying, Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened as the Lord has shown us. ¹⁶And they came hurriedly, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby laid in the manger. ¹⁷When they saw it, they made known the word which was spoken to them concerning the boy. ¹⁸And all who heard it were amazed at the things which were spoken by the shepherds. ¹⁹But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard, as it was spoken to them.

²¹And when 8 days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, his name was called Jesus; for he was named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. ²²And 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, ²³As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord, ²⁴And to offer a sacrifice, as it is commanded in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or 2 young pigeons.

²⁵Now 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 on him. ²⁶And it was said to him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, until he saw the Anointed of the Lord. ²⁷This 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, ²⁸He received him in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ²⁹Now dismiss your servant, Oh my Lord, in peace, according to your word; ³⁰For look, my eyes have already seen your mercies, ³¹Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, ³²A light for a revelation to the Gentiles and a glory to your people Israel.

³³And Joseph and Jesus' mother marveled about these things which were spoken concerning him. ³⁴And Simon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, Look, this one is appointed for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign of dispute; ³⁵And a sword will pierce through your own soul, so that the thoughts of the hearts of many may be revealed.

³⁶And Hannah the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, was of a great age; and she had lived 7 years with her husband from the days of her virginity. ³⁷Then she became a widow for about 84 years, and she never left the temple, and with fasting and prayer she worshiped day and night. ³⁸She also stood up at that hour and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke concerning him to every man who was looking forward to the salvation of Jerusalem. ³⁹And when they had done everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own city Nazareth. ⁴⁰The boy grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was on him.

⁴¹And his people went every year to Jerusalem during the feast of the passover. ⁴²And when he was 12 years old, they went up to the feast as they were accustomed. ⁴³And when the feast days were over, they returned; but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother did not know it. ⁴⁴They thought that he was with the children of their party; and when they went a day's journey, they sought for him among their own people and those who knew them. ⁴⁵But they could not find him; so they returned again to Jerusalem, looking for him. ⁴⁶After 3 days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷And all those who heard him were amazed at his wisdom and his answers. ⁴⁸And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, My son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety. ⁴⁹He said to them, Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I would be in the house of my Father? ⁵⁰But they could not understand the words which he said to them. ⁵¹So he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and he was subject to them. And his mother treasured all these words in her heart. ⁵²And Jesus grew in his stature and in his wisdom, and in favor with God and men.