The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)

1Now in those days an edict was published by Augustus Cesar, that all the world should be enrolled or taxed, 2(this tax was first levied when Cyrenius was governor of Syria) and they all went to be enrolled, 3every one to his own city: 4so 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 5was of the house and line of David) to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was big with child. 6And while they were there, the days of her delivery were fulfilled, 7and she brought forth her son, the first-born, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were in the same country shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night: and lo, 9an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them, and they were greatly terrified: 10and the angel said to them, Be not affrighted; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, 11that this day is born, in the city of David, your Saviour Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign to you, Ye shall find the child wrapped in swaddling bands lying in a manger. 13And on a sudden there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,

14praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will towards men.

15And when the angels went from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go to Bethlehem, and see this which hath been told us, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with speed, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger: 17and when they had seen it, they divulged what had been told them concerning this child: 18and all that heard it, were amazed at the things which were related to them by the shepherds. 19But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, according as it had been told unto them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21And when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, having been so called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord: 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, That every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:) and to offer a sacrifice, 24according to what is required in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.

The Prophecy of Simeon

25And there was a man at Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and he was a just and a religious man, who expected the consolation of Israel; and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it was revealed to him by the holy Spirit, that he should not die before he had seen the Anointed of the Lord. 27And he came by the influence of the Spirit into the temple, as his parents brought in the child Jesus to do concerning Him according to the custom of the law: 28and he took Him into his arms,

29and blessed God, and said, "Now, Lord, thou dismissest thy servant in peace, according to thy word;

30for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast provided in the sight of all people,

31a light for the enlightening of the Gentiles,

32and the glory of thy people Israel."

33And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things that were spoken concerning Him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against, 35(and a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be discovered.

The Prophecy of Anna

36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; who was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her first marrying, 37and had been a widow about eighty four years; who departed not from the temple; serving God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And coming in at the very same time, gave thanks unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

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

39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover: 42and when He was twelve years old, going up to Jerusalem, as usual at the feast, and having finished the time, 43when they returned, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem: and Joseph and his mother did not know it; 44but supposing Him to be in the company, went a day's journey, and then sought for Him among their kindred and acquaintance: 45and not finding Him they returned to Jerusalem seeking for Him: 46and after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, attending to them and asking them questions. 47And all that heard Him were astonished at his understanding and his answers. 48And when they saw Him, they were amazed. And his mother said to Him, Son, why didst thou deal thus with us? behold, thy father and I with grief have been seeking for thee. 49And He said to them, Why did ye so seek me? Did not ye know that I ought to be in my Father's house? 50but they did not understand the word which He spake to them. 51Then He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.