About that time an edict was issued by the Emperor Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole Empire.

And every one went to his own town to be registered.

In that same country-side were shepherds out in the open fields, watching their flocks that night,

And Jesus grew in wisdom as he grew in years, and 'gained the blessing of God and men.'

Every year the child's parents used to go to Jerusalem at the Passover Festival.

This day there has been born to you, in the town of David, a Savior, who is Christ and Lord.

"Have no fear," the angel said. "For I bring you good news of a great joy in store for all the nation.

"Glory to God on high, And on earth peace among men in whom he finds pleasure."

When the period of purification of mother and child, enjoined by the Law of Moses, came to an end, his parents took the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,

Eight days after the birth of the child, when it was time to circumcise him, he received the name Jesus--the name given him by the angel before his conception.

And she gave birth to her first child, a son. And because there was no room for them in the inn, she swathed him round and laid him in a manger.

There was at that time in Jerusalem a man named Simeon, a righteous and devout man, who lived in constant expectation of the Consolation of Israel, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The child grew and became strong and wise, and the blessing of God was upon him.

There was also a Prophetess named Hannah, a daughter of Phanuel and of the tribe of Asher. She was far advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years after marriage,

To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was about to become a mother.

"What made you search for me?" he answered. "Did not you know that I must be in my Father's House?"

Among others Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the town of David, in Judea--because he belonged to the family and house of David--

So they went quickly, and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger;

In compliance with the Law of the Lord that 'every first-born male shall be dedicated to the Lord,'

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

All who heard the shepherds were astonished at their story,

And, when they saw it, they told of all that had been said to them about this child.

And also to offer the sacrifice enjoined in the Law of the Lord--'a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.'

And the shepherds went back, giving glory and praise to God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Moved by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple Courts, and, when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the Law,

Simeon himself took the child in his arms, and blessed God, and said:

"Now, Lord, thou wilt let thy servant go, According to thy word, in peace,

Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly Host, praising God, and singing--

A Light to bring light to the Gentiles, And to be the Glory of thy people Israel."

When an angel of the Lord suddenly stood by them, and the Glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were seized with fear.

Simeon gave them his blessing, and said to Mary, the child's mother: "This child is appointed to be the cause of the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign much spoken against--

It was not till the third day that they found him in the Temple Courts, sitting among the Teachers, now listening to them, now asking them questions.

Yes, the sword will pierce your own heart--and so the thoughts in many minds will be disclosed."

While Mary treasured up all that they said, and dwelt upon it in her thoughts.

For my eyes have seen the Salvation

Now, when the angels had left them and gone back to Heaven, the shepherds said to one another: "Let us go at once to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has happened, of which the Lord has told us."

And then a widow, till she had reached the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple Courts, but, fasting and praying, worshiped God night and day.

(This was the first census taken while Quirinius was Governor of Syria).

When the child's parents had done everything enjoined by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

However he went down with them to Nazareth, and submitted himself to their control; and his mother treasured all that was said in her heart.

When Jesus was twelve years old, they went according to custom to Jerusalem,

His parents were amazed when they saw him, and his mother said to him: "My child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been searching for you in great distress."

At that moment she came up, and began publicly to thank God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the deliverance of Jerusalem.

And this shall be the sign for you. You will find the infant swathed, and lying in a manger."

While they were there her time came,

While the child's father and mother were wondering at what was said about him,

And had finished their visit; but, when they started to return, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, without their knowing it.

All who listened to him marveled at his intelligence and his answers.

Which thou hast prepared in the sight of all nations--

Thinking that he was with their fellow-travelers, they went one day's journey before searching for him among their relations and acquaintances;

His parents did not understand what he meant.

And then, as they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching everywhere for him.