King James Version, Updated™

(1) Now it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(2) (This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

(3) So all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city.

(4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)

(5) to be taxed with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child.

(6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should give birth.

(7) She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(8) And there were in the same country shepherds living in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

(9) Behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

(10) And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for, behold, I bring YOU good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

(11) For unto YOU is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

(12) And this shall be a sign to YOU: YOU shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

(13) Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

(15) It came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."

(16) So they went with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

(17) When they saw him, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

(18) And all those who heard it wondered about those things which were told them by the shepherds.

(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

(20) Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.

(21) And when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called JESUS, who was so named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

(22) When the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

(23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord")

(24) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

(25) Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

(26) It was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

(27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,

(28) then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

(29) "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;

(30) For my eyes have seen your salvation,

(31) which you have prepared before the face of all people;

(32) A light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

(33) Joseph and his mother were amazed at those things which were spoken of him.

(34) And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against

(35) (and a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

(36) Now there was one named Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

(37) She was a widow of about 84 years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

(38) And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

(39) When they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

(40) And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

(41) His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

(42) When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

(43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother did not know it.

(44) But supposing him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey; then they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances.

(45) And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

(46) It came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

(47) And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

(48) And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

(49) He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did YOU not know that I must be about my Father’s business?"

(50) They did not understood the saying which he spoke to them.

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

(52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.