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,

4 To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, that while was with child.

6 So it was, that while they wee there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swadling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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 fo the Lord stood before them, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

10 Then the angle 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 swaddlng cloths, lying in a manger.

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

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will 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 the Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord had 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  Bu 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.

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.

22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem present Him to the Lord.

23 ( As it written inhe 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 Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waithng 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 prepaed 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 to Him.

34 Then Simeon blesed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for all 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 thoughs of many hearts may be revealed."

36 Now there was one, Anna, a propetess, 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 fasting and  prayers night and day.

38 And this woman in that insant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked  for redemption in Jerusalem.

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.

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 accoding to the custom of the feast.

43 When they had finish 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 No so it was that after thee 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 undrestanding 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 sough 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 undersand the satement which He spoke to them

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 sature, and in favor with God and men. LUKE 2