Luke
Chapter Two
King
James Version
.
1And
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar
Augustus that all the world
should
be taxed.
2(And
this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And
all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which
is
called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To
be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And
so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that
she should be delivered.
7And
she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And
there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night.
9And,
lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they
were sore afraid.
10And
the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings
of great joy, which shall be to all
people.
11For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord.
12And
this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.
13And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying,
14Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And
it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the
shepherds said one to another,
Let
us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made
known
unto us.
16And
they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in
a manger.
17And
when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told
them concerning this child.
18And
all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by
the shepherds.
19But
Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21And
when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his
name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived
in the womb.
22And
when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished,
they brought him to
Jerusalem,
to present him to the Lord;
23(As
it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb
shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24And
to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the
Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And,
behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same
man was just and
devout,
waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And
it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death,
before he had seen the Lord's
Christ.
27And
he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in
the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then
took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord,
now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which
thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A
light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And
Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child
is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign
which shall be spoken against;
35(Yea,
a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed.
36And
there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe
of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years
from her virginity;
37And
she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from
the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38And
she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake
of him to all them that looked
for
redemption in Jerusalem.
39And
when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they
returned into Galilee, to their
own
city Nazareth.
40And
the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the
grace of God was upon him.
41Now
his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42And
when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom
of the feast.
43And
when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried
behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44But
they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey;
and they sought him among their
kinsfolk
and acquaintance.
45And
when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46And
it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47And
all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48And
when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son,
why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing.
49And
he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must
be about my Father's business?
50And
they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51And
he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:
but his mother kept all
these
sayings in her heart.
52And
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.