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¹ And in those days there went out a decree from Augustus Cesar, that all the world should be inrolled.² (Now this first inrolment was made, when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)³ And all went to be inrolled, every one to his own city.⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,⁵ (because he was of the family and houshold of David) To be inrolled with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.⁶ And while they were there, the days were fulfilled, that she should be delivered.⁷ And she brought forth her son, the first-born, and swathed him, and laid him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds, lying out in the field, and keeping watch over their flock by night.⁹ And lo an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.¹⁰ And the angel said to them, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.¹¹ For to you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.¹² And this shall be a sign to you; ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest;¹⁴ and on earth peace; goodwill toward men.¹⁵ And when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is done, which the Lord hath made known to us.¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in the manger.¹⁷ And having seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.¹⁸ And all that heard wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, comparing them together in her heart.²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

²¹ And when eight days were fulfilled, to circumcise the child, his name was called Jesus, which was named of the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.²² And when the days of purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord:²³ (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that²⁴ openeth the womb shall be holy to the Lord) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.

²⁵ And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and religious, waiting for the Consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.²⁷ And 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,²⁸ He took him up in his arms, and blessed God and said, Lord,²⁹ now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation: Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.³¹ A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.³² And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.³³ And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother,³⁴ 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, and a sword shall pierce thro' thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.³⁶ And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, having lived with an husband seven years from her virginity.³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers, night and day.³⁸ And she coming in at that hour, gave thanks to the Lord, and spake of him to all that were waiting for redemption in Jerusalem.³⁹ And when they had performed all things, according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.⁴⁰ And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the passover.⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast.⁴³ And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew it not,⁴⁴ But supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and sought him among their kinsfolk and among their acquaintance.⁴⁵ And not finding him, they went back to Jerusalem, seeking him.⁴⁶ And after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.⁴⁷ And all that heard him were astonished, at his understanding and answers.⁴⁸ And seeing him they were amazed. And his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou done thus to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.⁴⁹ And he said to them, Why sought ye me? Knew ye not, that I must be about my Father's business?⁵⁰ And they understood not the saying which he spake to them.⁵¹ And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them; but his mother kept all these things in her heart.⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.