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About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the nation. (This census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David’s ancient home—journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket[a] and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, 10 but the angel reassured them.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem![b] 12 How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[c] lying in a manger!”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God:

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang,[d] “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”

15 When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, 19 but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.

20 Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.

21 Eight days later, at the baby’s circumcision ceremony, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was even conceived.

22 When the time came for Mary’s purification offering at the Temple, as required by the laws of Moses after the birth of a child, his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; 23 for in these laws God had said, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.”

24 At that time Jesus’ parents also offered their sacrifice for purification—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” was the legal requirement. 25 That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah[e] to come soon. 26 For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God’s anointed King. 27 The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, 28 Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God.

29-31 “Lord,” he said, “now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. 32 He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Joseph and Mary just stood there, marveling at what was being said about Jesus.

34-35 Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.”

36-37 Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the Temple that day. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the Jewish tribe of Asher, and was very old, for she had been a widow for eighty-four years following seven years of marriage. She never left the Temple but stayed there night and day, worshiping God by praying and often fasting.

38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior[f] that the Messiah had finally arrived.

39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him.

41-42 When Jesus was twelve years old, he accompanied his parents to Jerusalem for the annual Passover Festival, which they attended each year. 43 After the celebration was over they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him the first day, 44 for they assumed he was with friends among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started to look for him among their relatives and friends; 45 and when they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there.

46-47 Three days later they finally discovered him. He was in the Temple, sitting among the teachers of Law, discussing deep questions with them and amazing everyone with his understanding and answers.

48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son!” his mother said to him. “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father’s House?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.

51 Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them; and his mother stored away all these things in her heart. 52 So Jesus grew both tall and wise, and was loved by God and man.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:7 a blanket, literally, “swaddling clothes.”
  2. Luke 2:11 in Bethlehem, literally, “in the city of David.”
  3. Luke 2:12 a blanket, literally, “swaddling clothes.”
  4. Luke 2:14 sang, literally, “said.”
  5. Luke 2:25 the Messiah, literally, “the Consolation of Israel.”
  6. Luke 2:38 awaiting the coming of the Savior, literally, “looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

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

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

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

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

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And 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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And 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, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

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

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

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth 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 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should 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 after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

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

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

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

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

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

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

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

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

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that 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 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

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

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The Birth of Jesus

At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register. This was the first registration;[a] it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to their own towns to be registered.

So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged[b] and who was now pregnant. While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.

Shepherds Hear About Jesus

That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. 11 Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”

13 Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying:

14 “Give glory to God in heaven,
    and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.”[c]

15 When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a feeding trough. 17 When they had seen him, they told what the angels had said about this child. 18 Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them. 20 Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.

21 When the baby was eight days old, he was circumcised and was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before the baby began to grow inside Mary.

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for Mary and Joseph to do what the law of Moses taught about being made pure,[d] they took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 (It is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be given to the Lord.”)[e] 24 Mary and Joseph also went to offer a sacrifice, as the law of the Lord says: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.”[f]

Simeon Sees Jesus

25 In Jerusalem lived a man named Simeon who was a good man and godly. He was waiting for the time when God would take away Israel’s sorrow, and the Holy Spirit was in him. 26 Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the law said they must do, 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:

29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant,
    die in peace as you said.
30 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,
31 which you prepared before all people.
32 It is a light for the non-Jewish people to see
    and an honor for your people, the Israelites.”

33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon had said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, “God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept 35 so that the thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too.”

Anna Sees Jesus

36 There was a prophetess, Anna, from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. Anna was very old. She had once been married for seven years. 37 Then her husband died, and she was a widow for eighty-four years. Anna never left the Temple but worshiped God, going without food and praying day and night. 38 Standing there at that time, she thanked God and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.

Joseph and Mary Return Home

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything the law of the Lord commanded, they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee. 40 The little child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s goodness was upon him.

Jesus As a Boy

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went to the feast as they always did. 43 After the feast days were over, they started home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that Jesus was with them in the group, they traveled for a whole day. Then they began to look for him among their family and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there. 46 After three days they found Jesus sitting in the Temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and answers. 48 When Jesus’ parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you and have been looking for you.”

49 Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand the meaning of what he said.

51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. But his mother kept in her mind all that had happened. 52 Jesus became wiser and grew physically. People liked him, and he pleased God.

Footnotes

  1. 2:2 registration Census. A counting of all the people and the things they own.
  2. 2:5 engaged For the Jewish people, an engagement was a lasting agreement. It could only be broken by divorce.
  3. 2:14 and . . . God Some Greek copies read “and on earth let there be peace and goodwill among people.”
  4. 2:22 pure The Law of Moses said that forty days after a Jewish woman gave birth to a son, she must be cleansed by a ceremony at the Temple. Read Leviticus 12:2–8.
  5. 2:23 “Every . . . Lord.” Quotation from Exodus 13:2.
  6. 2:24 “You . . . pigeons.” Quotation from Leviticus 12:8.

De geboorte van Jezus

In die tijd wilde de Romeinse keizer Augustus laten tellen hoeveel mensen er in zijn hele rijk woonden. Daarom gaf hij het bevel dat iedereen zich moest laten inschrijven.[a] Dit gebeurde voor de eerste keer in de tijd dat Quirinius bestuurder was van Syrië. Om geteld te worden, moesten de mensen naar de stad gaan waar hun familie oorspronkelijk vandaan kwam. Daar moesten ze zich laten inschrijven.

Ook Jozef ging op reis. Hij reisde van de stad Nazaret in Galilea naar Betlehem in Judea. Dat was de stad waar vroeger koning David geboren was. Jozef was namelijk uit de familie van koning David. Daar moest hij zich laten inschrijven, samen met Maria met wie hij was verloofd. Maria was in verwachting.

Toen ze daar waren aangekomen, werd het kind geboren. Het was haar eerste kind, een zoon. Maria wikkelde Hem in een doek en legde Hem in een voerbak van de dieren. Want in de herberg was voor hen geen plaats.

De herders

Diezelfde nacht waren er buiten de stad herders in het veld. Ze hielden de wacht bij hun schapen. Plotseling stond er een engel van de Heer God bij hen. De stralende aanwezigheid van God was om hen heen. Ze schrokken hevig en waren bang. 10 Maar de engel zei tegen hen: "Jullie hoeven niet bang te zijn. Want ik breng jullie goed nieuws. Dat goede nieuws is voor het hele volk: 11 Vandaag is in de stad waar vroeger koning David geboren is, de Messias geboren.[b] Hij is de Redder, de Heer. 12 Dit is voor jullie het teken dat het waar is wat ik zeg: jullie zullen een kind vinden dat in doeken is gewikkeld en in een voerbak ligt." 13 Plotseling waren er bij de engel nog heel veel meer engelen. 14 Ze prezen God en zeiden: "Prijs God in de hoogste hemel! Vrede op aarde voor de mensen waar God blij mee is!" 15 Toen gingen de engelen naar de hemel terug.

De herders zeiden tegen elkaar: "Kom, we gaan naar Betlehem! We gaan kijken naar wat de Heer God ons heeft verteld!" 16 Ze gingen haastig op weg. En ze vonden Maria en Jozef, en het kind dat in de voerbak lag. 17 Toen gingen ze aan iedereen vertellen wat de engel hun over dit kind had gezegd. 18 Iedereen was erg verbaasd over hun verhaal. 19 Maria onthield alles wat ze hadden verteld en dacht er over na in haar hart. 20 De herders gingen terug naar hun schapen en prezen en dankten God voor alles wat ze gezien en gehoord hadden. Alles was zoals de engel tegen hen had gezegd.

21 Toen het kind acht dagen oud was, werd het besneden[c] en kreeg het de naam Jezus. Dat was de naam die de engel had genoemd nog voordat Maria in verwachting raakte.

Simeon en Anna

22 Maria en Jozef deden alles wat volgens de wet van Mozes moet gebeuren als er een kind is geboren.[d] Daarna namen ze Hem mee naar Jeruzalem om Hem naar de Heer God te brengen. 23 Want in de wet staat: 'Elke eerste zoon en elk eerstgeboren dier is voor de Heer.' 24 Ook gingen ze, zoals dat moet van de wet, het offer brengen: een paar tortelduiven of twee jonge duiven.[e]

25 Er woonde in Jeruzalem een man die Simeon heette. Hij was een gelovig man die leefde zoals God het wil. Hij keek uit naar de dag dat God zijn volk Israël zou redden en troosten. De Heilige Geest was op hem. 26 En de Heilige Geest had tegen hem gezegd dat hij vóór zijn dood de Messias zou zien.

27 Die dag stuurde de Heilige Geest hem naar de tempel. Jozef en Maria brachten Jezus binnen om met Hem te doen wat ze volgens de wet van Mozes moesten doen. 28 Toen nam Simeon Jezus in zijn armen en hij prees God. 29 Hij zei: "Nu laat U, Heer, uw dienaar in vrede sterven, zoals U ook heeft gezegd. 30 Want nu heb ik Hem gezien 31 door wie U alle volken gaat redden. 32 Hij is het Licht voor alle volken. En vanwege Hem zullen de mensen het volk Israël dankbaar zijn."

33 Zijn vader en moeder waren verbaasd over de dingen die Simeon over Jezus zei. 34 Simeon zegende hen en zei tegen Maria: "Veel mensen zullen door Hem ten val komen. Maar veel andere mensen zullen juist door Hem gered worden. Hij zal een teken zijn waar veel mensen niet in zullen willen geloven. 35 Door Hem zullen zelfs de diepst verborgen gedachten van de mensen zichtbaar worden. En voor jou zal het zijn alsof er een zwaard door je hart gaat."

36 Er was daar ook een vrouw die Anna heette. Zij was een profetes, een dochter van Fanuël, uit de stam van Aser. Ze was zeven jaar getrouwd geweest. Toen was haar man gestorven, zodat ze weduwe werd. 37 Nu was ze een oude vrouw van ongeveer 84 jaar. Ze was alle dagen in de tempel. Ze diende God dag en nacht en bad zonder ophouden. 38 Op dat moment kwam zij er ook bij staan en ook zij prees God. En aan alle mensen die op de redding van Jeruzalem wachtten, vertelde ze over Hem.

39 Jozef en Maria deden alles wat ze volgens de wet van de Heer God moesten doen. Daarna gingen ze terug naar hun stad Nazaret in Galilea.

40 Het kind groeide op en werd sterk. Hij was vol wijsheid en God was in alle dingen goed voor Hem.

Jezus in de tempel

41 Jezus' ouders reisden elk jaar naar Jeruzalem om daar het Paasfeest te vieren.[f] 42 Toen Jezus twaalf jaar oud was, reisden zijn ouders weer zoals elk jaar naar Jeruzalem. 43 Na de feestdagen gingen zijn ouders weer naar huis. Maar Jezus bleef in Jeruzalem achter. Zijn ouders hadden dat niet gemerkt. 44 Ze dachten dat Hij meeliep met de andere mensen die ook naar huis terugreisden. Zo reisden ze één dag en zochten Hem intussen bij familie en kennissen. 45 Maar toen ze Hem niet vonden, gingen ze terug om Hem in Jeruzalem te zoeken.

46 Na drie dagen vonden ze Hem in de tempel. Hij zat daar tussen de wetgeleerden.[g] Hij luisterde naar hen en stelde vragen. 47 De mensen die Hem hoorden, waren verbaasd hoe verstandig Hij was. Ook verbaasden ze zich over de antwoorden die Hij gaf. 48 Toen zijn ouders Hem daar vonden, waren ze boos. Zijn moeder zei tegen Hem: "Kind, hoe kun je zoiets doen? Je vader en ik zijn zó ongerust geweest! We hebben overal naar je gezocht!" 49 Maar Hij zei tegen hen: "Waarom heeft u naar Mij gezocht? Wist u dan niet dat Ik bezig moet zijn met de dingen van mijn Vader?" 50 Maar ze begrepen niet wat Hij bedoelde. 51 Hij ging met hen mee terug naar Nazaret en was gehoorzaam aan zijn ouders. Zijn moeder onthield alles wat er gebeurd en gezegd was en dacht er over na in haar hart.

52 Terwijl Jezus opgroeide, werd Hij steeds wijzer. En God en de mensen hielden van Hem.

Footnotes

  1. Lukas 2:1 Dit had te maken met de belastingen. Hij wilde in feite weten hoeveel belasting hij kon ophalen in zijn rijk.
  2. Lukas 2:11 Het woord 'Messias' is Hebreeuws en betekent 'Gezalfde'. 'De gezalfde' is in de Joodse Boeken de man die speciaal door God met zijn Geest is gevuld ('gezalfd') om Israël te redden. In het Grieks, de taal waarin het Nieuwe Testament is geschreven, werd hij de 'Christus' genoemd, wat hetzelfde betekent.
  3. Lukas 2:21 Alle Joodse mannen moesten hun geslachtsdeel laten besnijden. Dat was het teken van het verbond van God met het Joodse volk. Lees Genesis 17:9-14.
  4. Lukas 2:22 Lees Leviticus 12:1-8.
  5. Lukas 2:24 Eerstgeboren dieren moesten aan de Heer God geofferd worden, maar eerstgeboren zonen werden vrijgekocht met een offer en niet zelf geofferd. Arme mensen offerden twee duiven. Lees Exodus 13:2 en 15.
  6. Lukas 2:41 De Joden vieren daarmee het vertrek van het volk Israël uit de slavernij in Egypte. Lees Exodus 12. God had gezegd dat alle Israëlieten elk jaar naar Jeruzalem moesten komen om het Paasfeest te vieren.
  7. Lukas 2:46 De wetgeleerden bestudeerden de wet van God en leerden die aan de mensen.