Chapter 2

¹And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. ²This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. ³And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, ⁵To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. ⁶And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up 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 watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. ⁹And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: ¹¹For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. ¹⁵And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. ¹⁶And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. ¹⁷And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. ¹⁸And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. ²¹And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. ²²And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: ²³As it is written in the law of the Lord: 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 turtledoves, or two young pigeons: ²⁵And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. ²⁶And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. ²⁷And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: ²⁹Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; ³⁰Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, ³¹Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: ³²A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. ³³And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. ³⁴And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; ³⁵And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. ³⁶And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. ³⁷And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. ³⁸Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. ³⁹And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. ⁴⁰And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. ⁴¹And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, ⁴²And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, ⁴³And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. ⁴⁴And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. ⁴⁵And not finding him, they returned into 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, hearing them, and asking them questions. ⁴⁷And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. ⁴⁸And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. ⁴⁹And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? ⁵⁰And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. ⁵¹And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. ⁵²And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.