The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)

1At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire. 2(this register was made before Quirinus was prefect of Syria.) 3all went to be registred, every one to his native city. 4so Joseph departed from Nazareth in Galilee, and went into Judea to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David, 5in order to be registred with Mary, his espoused wife, who was then big with child. 6now while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7and being brought to bed of her first born, she swathed him, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8In that country there were shepherds lying in the open fields, taking their turns to watch the stock in the night; 9when all of a sudden an angel of the Lord appear'd to them, and a heavenly light shone about them, at which they were greatly affrighted. 10but the angel said to them, be not afraid, I am only come to bring you great news, which will be matter of joy to you and to the whole world. 11for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David: 12and by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger. 13All of a sudden an army of celestial beings join'd the angel, singing praises to God, and saying,

14"glory to God in the heavens, and to men on earth felicity in the divine favour."

15As soon as the angels retired back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us go to Bethlehem, to see the fact, of which the Lord inform'd us. 16accordingly they hasted thither, and found Mary and Joseph with the babe lying in the manger. 17when they had seen him, they divulged what the angel had told them concerning this child. 18and all that heard of it, were surprized at what the shepherds related. 19but Mary considered these things very attentively, and weigh'd every circumstance in her mind, while the shepherds return'd, 20glorifying and praising God, for having heard and seen every thing exactly as the angel inform'd them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21The eighth day, when the child was to be circumcised, being come, he was named Jesus, the name, which the angel had given before his conception.

22At length the time appointed by the law of Moses for the purification of women being accomplish'd, they carried the infant to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according as his law directs, 23"every first born male-child shall be consecrated to the Lord." 24and to offer the sacrifice prescrib'd by the law, which was a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pidgeons.

The Prophecy of Simeon

25At that time there dwelt at Jerusalem one Simeon, an honest, religious man, one who expected the appearance of the Messiah, and was endued with the spirit of prophecy. 26to him it was revealed by the holy spirit, that he should not die till he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27by the divine direction he came into the temple, just as the parents of Jesus were bringing in the child to perform what the law required in his behalf. 28then he took him up in his arms, and returned thanks to God in these words, "now,

29Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise.

30for mine eyes have beheld the saviour,

31whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles,

32and the glory of thy people Israel."

33Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprized to hear such things pronounc'd concerning him. 34then Simeon gave them his benediction, and said to Mary his mother, "the child you now see, shall occasion many in Israel to fall and rise again; he will be the Object of calumny, 35which like a dart will pierce even thro' your own soul, that thereby the sincerity of many may be revealed."

The Prophecy of Anna

36There was likewise one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had liv'd in a married state but seven years ever since she was a virgin: 37being then a widow of about fourscore and four years old: she was assiduously in the temple, night and day religiously employ'd in fastings and prayers: 38and happening to come in just at the same time, she likewise express'd her thanks to the lord, and spoke of Jesus to all those, who expected deliverance in Jerusalem.

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

39and when they had performed every thing required by the divine law, they returned into Galilee, to Nazareth their city. 40and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the paschal feast. 42when Jesus therefore was twelve years old they went thither, as was customary at the time of that festival. 43when that was expired, they returned, but the young Jesus staid behind in Jerusalem, without being miss'd either by Joseph or his Mother. 44so that they went a whole day's journey, imagining he was somewhere among the company, and then they look'd for him among their relations and acquaintance; but not finding him, 45they turn'd back to Jerusalem to enquire for him there. 46three days after they found him in the temple, sitting near the doctors, attending to them and asking them questions. 47and all that heard him were astonish'd at his understanding and answers. 48when Joseph and his mother saw him, great was their surprize: and his mother said to him, son, why did you leave us thus? your father and I have been looking for you with great concern. 49Jesus replied, why were ye so sollicitous about me? don't you know that 'tis my business to be in my father's house? 50but they did not comprehend the meaning of that expression. 51However Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them: and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

52in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.