RKJNT - Luke - 2

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.

2:2  (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

2:3  And all went to be registered, every one into his own city.

2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

2:5  To be registered with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

2:7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in strips of cloth, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

2:8  And in that same region there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

2:9  And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were very afraid.

2:10  And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be for all people.

2:11  For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

2:12  And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.

2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom he is pleased.

2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

2:16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

2:17  And when they had seen, they made known what was told them concerning this child.

2:18  And all those who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

2:19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

2:20  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them.

2:21  And when eight days had passed, when he was to be circumcised, he was given the name JESUS, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2:22  And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

2:23  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

2:24  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.

2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and he was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

2:26  And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

2:27  And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,

2:28  He took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

2:29  Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word:

2:30  For my eyes have seen your salvation,

2:31  Which you have prepared in the presence of all people;

2:32  A light of revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

2:33  And his father and mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

2:34  And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is appointed to cause the fall and rising of many in Israel; and to be a sign which shall be spoken against;

2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

2:36  And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

2:37  And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day.

2:38  And coming at that hour she also gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.

2:39  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

2:40  And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

2:41  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

2:42  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, according to the custom.

2:43  And after they had spent the full number of days, as they returned, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and his parents did not know.

2:44  But supposing him to have been in their company, they went a day's journey; then they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances.

2:45  And when they could not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

2:46  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

2:47  And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

2:48  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us this way? behold, your father and I have sought you anxiously.

2:49  And he said to them, Why were you seeking me? did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?

2:50  And they did not understand what he said to them.

2:51  And he went down with them, to Nazareth, and was obedient to them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.

2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.