The Lantern

Luke2

The Birth of Jesus

Then it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world.

This first registration took place when Quirinius is governing Syria.

And all were going to be registered, each to their own city.

Then Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, because of his being from the house and family of David,

to register with Mary, who was betrothed to him, she being with child.

Then it came to pass, in their being there the days were fulfilled of her giving birth,

and she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and she laid him in a manger, because there was not a place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And shepherds were in the same region, lodging in the fields and keeping watch by night over their flock.

And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared with great fear.

And the angel said to them, “Do not fear; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people:

for there has been born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the City of David.

And this is the sign to you: you will find a baby swaddled and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there came with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace among men of good-will.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were departing from them into heaven, the shepherds were speaking to one another, “Let us go through indeed as far as Bethlehem, and let us see this declaration that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came, having hurried, and they found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.

Now having seen it, they made known concerning the declaration that had been told them concerning this child.

And all those having heard marveled concerning the things spoken by the shepherds to them.

But Mary was treasuring up all these declarations, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, even as it was said to them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise him, then his name was called Jesus, which he had been called by the angel before the conceiving of him in the womb.

And when the days of their purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord —

even as it has been written in the law of the Lord, that “Every male opening a womb will be called holy to the Lord” —

and to offer a sacrifice according to that said in the law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

The Prophecy of Simeon

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he was not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord.

And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and in the time when the parents were bringing in the child Jesus, for the thing they were doing according to that accustomed by the law for him,

then he himself received him into the arms and blessed God and said,

“Now you dismiss your servant, Lord, according to your declaration, in peace;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared before the face of all the peoples,

a light for revelation of the Gentiles, and glory of your people Israel.”

And his father and the mother were marveling at the things being spoken concerning him.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against —

and a sword will go through your own soul also — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

The Prophecy of Anna

And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was advanced in great years, having lived with a husband seven years from her marriage,

and she was a widow until eighty and four years, who was not departing from the temple, serving with fastings and prayers night and day.

And she, having come up at that hour, was giving praise to God, and was speaking concerning him to all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

And the child was continuing to grow, and he was being strengthened, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

And his parents were going every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

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

and when they had completed the days, in their returning the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem; but his parents did not know.

Now having supposed him to be in their company, they went a day’s journey, and were seeking him among the relatives and the acquaintances;

and not having found him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching him.

And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them.

Then all those hearing him were amazed at his understanding and at the answers.

And having seen him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Child, why did you do thus to us? Behold, your father and I myself were seeking you, distressing.”

And he said to them, “Why is it that you were seeking me? Surely you knew that it behooves me to be in the house of my Father?”

And they themselves did not understand the declaration that he spoke to them.

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them. And his mother was treasuring up all the declarations in her heart.

And Jesus was continuing to advance in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.