Chapter 2

  And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled.  

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  This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.  

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  And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.  

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  And 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,  

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  To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.  

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  And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered.  

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  And 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.  

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  And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock.  

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  And 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.  

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  And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:  

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

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  And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.  

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

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  Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.  

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  And 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.  

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  And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  

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  And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.  

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  And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.  

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  But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.  

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  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.  

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  And 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.  

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  And 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:  

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  As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:  

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  And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons:  

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  And 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.  

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  And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  

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  And 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,  

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  He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said:  

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  Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace;  

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  Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,  

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  Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:  

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  A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.  

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  And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.  

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  And 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;  

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  And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.  

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  And 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.  

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  And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.  

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  Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.  

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  And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.  

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  And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.  

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  And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch,  

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  And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,  

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  And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.  

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  And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.  

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  And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.  

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  And 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.  

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  And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.  

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  And 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.  

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  And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business?  

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  And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.  

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  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.  

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  And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.  

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