And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be registered, each to his own city.

And in the same country there were shepherds living in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

And His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

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

And the angel said to them, Do not fear. For behold, I give to you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord

And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, His name was called JESUS, the name called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

And she brought forth her son, the First-born, and wrapped Him, and laid Him in a manger-- because there was no room for them in the inn.

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 on him.

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on Him.

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in many days, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.

And he took Mary his betrothed wife, being with child.

And He said to them, Why did you look for Me? Do you not know that I must be about My Father's business?

And Joseph also went up from Galilee to be taxed (out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David).

And hurrying they came and sought out both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord)

And it happened to him, being instructed by the Holy Spirit, he was not to see death before he would see the Christ of the Lord.

And all those who heard marveled about the things spoken to them by the shepherds.

And seeing, they publicly told about the word spoken to them concerning this Child.

and to offer a sacrifice according to that said in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

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

And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And as the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do according to the custom of the Law concerning Him,

even he received Him in his arms and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now You will let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. And they were grievously afraid.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this One is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against

And it happened that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them.

(yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

But Mary kept all these sayings, meditating in her heart.

For my eyes have seen Your Salvation

And it happened as the angels departed from them into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Indeed, let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing which has happened, which the Lord made known to us.

And she was a widow of eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, serving God with fastings and prayers night and day.

(This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And when they had finished all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

And He went with them and came to Nazareth, and He was subject to them. But His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.

And seeing Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, Child, why have you done so to us? Behold, your father and I have looked for you, greatly distressed.

And she coming in at that instant gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those in Jerusalem eagerly expecting redemption.

And this is a sign to you. You will find the babe wrapped, lying in a manger.

And while they were there, the days for her deliverance were fulfilled.

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken by him.

And fulfilling the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know.

And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

which You have prepared before the face of all the peoples,

But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey. And they looked for Him among the kinsfolk and acquaintances.

And they did not understand the word which He spoke to them.

And when they did not find Him, they turned back to Jerusalem, seeking Him.