The Birth of Jesus

(Isaiah 7:10-16; Micah 5:1-6; Matthew 1:18-25)

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.

The Shepherds and Angels

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.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

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:

The Prophecy of Simeon

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.

The Prophecy of Anna

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.

The Return to Nazareth

(Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 2:19-23; Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30)

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.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

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.