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The Birth of Jesus(A)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed. This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. 10 But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will 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 will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

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

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

21 When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised, He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord”[a]) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”[b]

25 Now 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. 26 It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
    according to Your word;
30 for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31     which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce through your own soul also.”

36 And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow of about eighty-four years of age who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

39 When they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned, the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know of it. 44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day’s journey. Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him. 46 After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You dealt with us like this? Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You.”

49 He said to them, “How is it that you searched for Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the word which He spoke to them.

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and men.

O nascimento de Jesus

Por esse tempo, César Augusto, o imperador romano, mandou que se fizesse um registo geral dos habitantes de todo o império. Este recenseamento foi feito sendo Cirénio governador da Síria. Todos tinham de voltar à terra natal para registarem os seus nomes. E como José era da descendência real, teve de ir a Belém, na Judeia, a terra natal do rei David, desde a cidade de Nazaré na Galileia. Levou consigo Maria, a sua noiva, cuja gravidez nessa altura já estava avançada.

Enquanto ali se encontravam, chegou a hora de dar à luz. E nasceu-lhe o seu primeiro filho, que envolveu em panos e deitou na manjedoura de um estábulo, onde se viram obrigados a recolher, por não haver lugar na hospedaria.

Os pastores e os anjos

Naquela noite, encontravam-se nos campos fora da vila alguns pastores que guardavam os seus rebanhos. De súbito, apareceu-lhes um anjo; o campo ficou iluminado com a glória do Senhor e eles sentiram muito medo. 10 Mas o anjo sossegou-os: “Não tenham medo; trago-vos uma notícia muito feliz que se destina a toda a gente! 11 Esta noite, em Belém, na Cidade de David, nasceu o Salvador. Sim, o Cristo, o Senhor! 12 E este é o sinal pelo qual o reconhecerão: encontrarão a criança envolvida em panos, deitada numa manjedoura.”

13 E de repente, juntou-se outro grande grupo de anjos, louvando a Deus:

14 “Glória ao Senhor, nos mais altos céus!
Paz na Terra aos homens a quem Deus quer bem!”

15 Depois deste grande número de anjos ter voltado para os céus, os pastores disseram uns aos outros: “Vamos a Belém ver o que aconteceu e que o Senhor nos falou.”

16 Correndo à aldeia, encontraram Maria e José, com a criança deitada na manjedoura de um estábulo. 17 Os pastores falavam a toda a gente no que tinha acontecido e no que o anjo dissera acerca daquele menino. 18 Todos os que ouviam a história dos pastores mostravam-se espantados. 19 Maria, porém, guardava estas coisas no seu coração, meditando cuidadosamente nelas. 20 Por fim, os pastores voltaram para os campos e rebanhos, glorificando Deus pela visita dos anjos e por terem visto o menino tal como o anjo dissera.

A circuncisão de Jesus

21 Passados oito dias, na cerimónia da sua circuncisão, puseram ao menino o nome de Jesus, o nome que o anjo dissera antes de ter sido gerado.

22 Quando chegou a altura de levar ao templo a oferta da cerimónia da purificação, como a Lei de Moisés exigia[a], seus pais levaram-no a Jerusalém para o apresentar ao Senhor. 23 Porque nessa mesma Lei Deus tinha dito: “Se o primeiro filho de uma mulher for rapaz, será dedicado ao Senhor.”[b] 24 Nessa mesma ocasião, os pais de Jesus ofereceram também o sacrifício pela sua purificação: um par de rolas ou dois pombinhos, de acordo com a Lei.[c]

25 Naquele dia, estava justamente no templo um homem chamado Simeão, morador em Jerusalém, um crente dedicado ao Senhor, cheio do Espírito Santo e que vivia constantemente na esperança do breve aparecimento do Consolo de Israel. 26 O Espírito Santo tinha-lhe revelado que não morreria sem ver primeiro aquele que tinha sido designado por Deus. 27 O Espírito Santo inspirou-o a ir ao templo naquele dia. Assim, quando Maria e José chegaram para apresentar o menino Jesus ao Senhor, em obediência à Lei, Simeão estava lá. 28 E tomando a criança nos braços louvou a Deus:

29 “Senhor, agora posso morrer satisfeito,
pois vi aquele que tu me prometeste que veria!
30 Vi o Salvador que deste ao mundo.
31-32 Ele é a luz que brilhará sobre as nações,
e será a glória do teu povo Israel.”

33 José e Maria admiravam-se do que se dizia a respeito de Jesus. 34-35 Simeão abençoou-os, mas depois disse a Maria: “Uma espada atravessará a tua alma, porque esta criança será rejeitada por muitos em Israel, mas para sinal de desavença entre deles. Para muitos outros, porém, será uma grande alegria. E por ele serão revelados os pensamentos mais profundos de muitos corações.”

36 Naquele mesmo dia estava também no templo uma profetisa de Deus chamada Ana, filha de Fanuel, da tribo de Aser, de oitenta e quatro anos de idade. Era viúva, pois o seu marido tinha morrido após sete anos de casados. 37 Nunca saía do templo, antes permanecia ali dia e noite, adorando a Deus com jejuns e oração. 38 Nesse preciso momento, ela aproximou-se e começou também a dar graças a Deus e a anunciar publicamente, a todos quantos em Jerusalém esperavam a chegada do Salvador, que o Cristo tinha finalmente chegado.

39 Depois de terem cumprido todas as exigências da Lei de Deus, os pais de Jesus voltaram para Nazaré da Galileia. 40 Ali o menino ia crescendo, fortalecendo-se fisicamente e em sabedoria, e Deus derramava sobre ele a sua graça.

Jesus no templo

41 Todos os anos os pais de Jesus iam a Jerusalém para a festa da Páscoa. 42 Quando ele atingiu a idade de doze anos, a família foi à festa, como era hábito. 43 Terminada a comemoração, tomaram o caminho de volta para Nazaré, mas Jesus ficou para trás em Jerusalém. 44 No primeiro dia os pais não deram pela sua falta, porque julgavam que estivesse com amigos ou entre os outros viajantes. Mas quando não apareceu naquela noite, começaram a procurá-lo entre os parentes e amigos. 45 Não o encontrando, voltaram a Jerusalém, continuando a procurá-lo.

46 Três dias depois, encontraram-no. Achava-se no templo, sentado entre os especialistas na Lei, ouvindo-os e fazendo-lhes perguntas, 47 deixando toda a gente admirada com a sua inteligência e respostas. 48 Os pais não sabiam o que pensar quando o viram ali sentado.

“Filho”, disse-lhe a mãe, “porque nos fizeste isto? Teu pai e eu estávamos desesperados, à tua procura!”

49 “Mas que necessidade tinham de procurar-me?”, disse-lhes. “Não calcularam que estaria aqui no templo, na casa do meu Pai, pois preciso tratar dos seus assuntos?” 50 Mas eles não entenderam o que lhes dizia.

51 Jesus voltou com os pais para Nazaré e era-lhes obediente. E a sua mãe guardava todas estas coisas no coração. 52 Assim Jesus crescia, tanto em tamanho como em sabedoria, achando graça aos olhos de Deus e dos homens.

Footnotes

  1. 2.22 Nos termos de Lv 12.2-8 esta apresentação foi feita aos quarenta dias de idade da criança.
  2. 2.23 Êx 13.2, 12.
  3. 2.24 Lv 12.8.

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus(A) issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(B) (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)(C) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem(D) the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him(E) and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel(F) of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.(G) I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior(H) has been born to you; he is the Messiah,(I) the Lord.(J) 12 This will be a sign(K) to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace(L) to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.(M) 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.(N) 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God(O) for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child,(P) he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.(Q)

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses,(R) Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]),(S) 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c](T)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.(U) He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,(V) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,(W) 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,(X)
    you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.(Y)
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,(Z)
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”(AA)

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:(AB) “This child is destined to cause the falling(AC) and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet,(AD) Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e](AE) She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.(AF) 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.(AG)

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.(AH) 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.(AI)

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.(AJ) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed(AK) at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother(AL) said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father(AM) and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f](AN) 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.(AO)

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them(AP) and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.(AQ) 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.(AR)

Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before
  2. Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12
  3. Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8
  4. Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss
  5. Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years.
  6. Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business

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.