The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)

1It came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Augustus Caesar, to enroll all the world. 2This was the first enrollment, Cyrenius being governor of Syria. 3And all were going forth to enroll, each one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5to enroll himself along with Mary, the wife having been betrothed to him, being in an advanced state of pregnancy. 6And it came to pass while they were there the days of her parturition were fulfilled. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And the shepherds were in that country, tenting out and keeping guard over their flock by night. 9And behold an angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they feared with great fear. 10And the angel said to them; Fear not; for behold, I preach unto you the gospel of great joy, which shall be to all people; 11because this day a Savior is born unto you, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. 12And this shall be the sign unto you; you shall find an infant lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. 13And immediately a multitude of the heavenly host was with the angel, praising God and saying;

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

15And it came to pass, when the angels departed from them into heaven, indeed, the shepherds said to one another; Now let us go unto Bethlehem and see this word which has taken place, which the Lord made known to us. 16They went making haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17And seeing, they made known concerning the word which was spoken to them about this little child. 18And all hearing wondered concerning the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19And Mary kept all these words laying them up in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all things which they heard and saw, as it was spoken to them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21And when the eight days of circumcising Him were fulfilled, and His name was called Jesus, having been called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22And when the days of their purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they carried him up into Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, 23as it was written in the law of the Lord; That every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; 24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which has been written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.

The Prophecy of Simeon

25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and the same man was righteous and godly, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him; 26and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and while the parents are bringing in the little child Jesus, that they may do according to the provisions of law concerning Him, 28he received Him into his arms and blessed God and said;

29Now, O Lord, thou art letting thy servant depart, in peace according to thy word;

30because mine eyes saw thy salvation,

31which thou didst prepare before the face of all peoples;

32a light unto the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33And His father and His mother were marveling at the words spoken concerning Him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother; Behold, he is appointed unto the fall and rising of many in Israel, and unto a sign which is spoken against; 35and a sword shall go through thy soul, in order that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.

The Prophecy of Anna

36And Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, herself being advanced in many days, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity; 37and she a widow of about fourscore years, who did not depart from the temple, worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. 38And she, at the same hour, standing up continued to praise the Lord, and speak concerning Him to all those awaiting the redemption in Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth
(Matthew 2:19–23)

39And when they finished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee into their own city Nazareth. 40And the child continued to grow and waxed strong in spirit, being full of wisdom; and the grace of God was on Him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41And His parents were going, according to custom, into Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. 42And when He was twelve years old, they going up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 43and having completed the days, while they were returning the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And His parents knew it not. 44And thinking that He is in the crowd, they came a day's journey, and were seeking Him among His relatives and acquaintances. 45And not having found Him; they returned to Jerusalem seeking Him. 46And it came to pass, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. 47And all hearing Him were astonished at His wisdom and answers. 48And seeing Him they were astonished, and His mother said to Him; Child, why did you thus do unto us? Behold, thy father and I were seeking thee, sorrowful. 49And He said to them, Why were you seeking after me? Did you not know that it behooved me to be in the affairs of my Father? 50And they did not understand the word which He spoke unto them. 51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth; and was subject unto them. And His mother continued to keep all these words in her heart.

52And Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and men.