Luke 2

1. And 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.)

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4. And 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:)

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great
with child.

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And 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.

8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding
 in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And, lo, the 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 unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
 which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this shall be a sign unto 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,

14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.

15. And 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.

16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
 and the babe lying in a manger.

17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things
which were told them by the shepherds.

19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them
 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 unto them.

21. And 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.

22. And 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;)

24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in
the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25. And, 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.

26. And it was revealed unto 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. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,
 according to thy word:

30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things
 which were spoken of him.

34. And 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.

36. And 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;

37. And 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.

38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise
 unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that
 looked 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.

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