Thematic Bible
Luke 2:1 (show verse)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.
Luke 2:2 (show verse)
This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
Luke 2:3 (show verse)
So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
Luke 2:4 (show verse)
And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David,
Luke 2:5 (show verse)
to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.
Luke 2:6 (show verse)
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Luke 2:7 (show verse)
Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.
Luke 2:8 (show verse)
In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.
Luke 2:9 (show verse)
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luke 2:10 (show verse)
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
Luke 2:11 (show verse)
Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.
Luke 2:12 (show verse)
This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”
Luke 2:13 (show verse)
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
Luke 2:14 (show verse)
and peace on earth
Luke 2:15 (show verse)
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2:16 (show verse)
They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.
Luke 2:17 (show verse)
After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child,
Luke 2:18 (show verse)
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:19 (show verse)
But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.
Luke 2:20 (show verse)
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.
Luke 2:21 (show verse)
When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before He was conceived.
Luke 2:22 (show verse)
And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
Luke 2:23 (show verse)
(just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord)
Luke 2:24 (show verse)
and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).
Luke 2:25 (show verse)
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Luke 2:26 (show verse)
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
Luke 2:27 (show verse)
Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law,
Luke 2:28 (show verse)
Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
Luke 2:29 (show verse)
You can dismiss Your slave in peace,
as You promised.
Luke 2:30 (show verse)
Luke 2:31 (show verse)
in the presence of all peoples—
Luke 2:32 (show verse)
and glory to Your people Israel.
Luke 2:33 (show verse)
His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him.
Luke 2:34 (show verse)
Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—
Luke 2:35 (show verse)
and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2:36 (show verse)
There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
Luke 2:37 (show verse)
and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.
Luke 2:38 (show verse)
At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:39 (show verse)
When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
Luke 2:40 (show verse)
The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him.
Luke 2:41 (show verse)
Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.
Luke 2:42 (show verse)
When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.
Luke 2:43 (show verse)
After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it.
Luke 2:44 (show verse)
Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.
Luke 2:45 (show verse)
When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.
Luke 2:46 (show verse)
After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
Luke 2:47 (show verse)
And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
Luke 2:48 (show verse)
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
Luke 2:49 (show verse)
Luke 2:50 (show verse)
But they did not understand what He said to them.
Luke 2:51 (show verse)
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:52 (show verse)
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.