1And in those days it occurred, that a decree went forth from Augustus Caesar, that all the people of his dominion should be enrolled.
2And this enrollment was first made under the presidency of Quirinus in Syria.
3And everyone went to his own city to be enrolled.
4And Joseph also went up from Nazareth of Galilee to Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5with Mary his espoused, then pregnant, to be enrolled.
6And it was while they were there, that the days for her to bring forth were completed.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in bandages, and laid him in the stall; for they had no place where they could lodge.
8And there were shepherds in that region, who abode there and kept watch of their flocks by night.
9And lo, the angel of God came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone upon them: and they feared with great fear.
10And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold I announce to you great joy, which will be to all the world.
11For there is born to you this day a deliverer, who is the Lord Messiah, in the city of David
12And this is the sign for you: Ye will find the babe wrapped in bandages, and placed in a stall.
13And instantly there were seen with the angel, the many hosts of heaven, praising God, and saying:
14Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good hope for men.
15And it was so, that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds conferred with one another, and said: Let us go down to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath occurred, as the Lord hath made known to us.
16And they came hastily, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe laid in the stall.
17And when they saw, they made known the information which was given to them concerning the child.
18And all that heard, wondered at the things that were told them by the shepherds.
19And Mary laid up 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 told them.
21And when the eight days for the circumcision of the child were completed, his name was called JESUS; as he was named by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb
22And when the days of their purification were completed, according to the law of Moses, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him before the Lord:
23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, that every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:)
24and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.
25And there was a certain man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. This man was upright and just, and was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been told him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, until he should see the Messiah of the Lord.
27This man came, by the Spirit, into the temple; and when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him as is commanded in the law,
28he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and said:
29My Lord, now release thou thy servant in peace, as thou hast said:
30for lo, my eyes have seen thy mercy,
31which thou hast prepared in the presence of all nations,
32a light for a revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother were astonished at those things which were spoken concerning him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set forth for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, and for a standard of contention;
35(and also a dart will pierce thy own soul); that the thoughts of the hearts of many may be disclosed.
36And Hanna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she also was aged in days, and, from her maidenhood, had lived seven years with her husband,
37and was a widow of about eighty and four years, and departed not from the temple, but worshipped by day and by night with fasting and prayer ;
38and she too stood up, in that hour, and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to every one that waited for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39And when they had accomplished all things, according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit, and was filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
41And his people went up to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, as they were accustomed.
43And when the days were completed, they returned: but the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew not of it;
44for they supposed he was with his companions. And when they had travelled a day's journey, they sought him among their people, and inquired of every one that knew them.
45And they did not find him. And they returned again to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46And after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, and listening to them, and asking them questions.
47And all they that heard him, were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
48And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him: My son, why hast thou done so to us? For lo, I and thy father have been seeking for thee with great anxiety.
49He said to them: Why did ye seek me? Do ye not know, that it behooveth me to be in my Father's house?
50But they did not comprehend the word that he spoke to them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother laid up all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in stature, and in wisdom, and in grace, before God and men.