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And it happened in those days that there came a decree from Augustus Caesar that all the world should be registered.

(This first registration was made when Quirinius was Governor of Syria.)

Therefore, all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee (out of a city called Nazareth) into Judea (to the city of David - which is called Bethlehem - because he was of the House and lineage of David)

to register with Mary (his betrothed), who was with child.

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

And she brought forth her first begotten Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a feeding trough (because there was no room for them in the inn).

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

And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them. And the Glory of the Lord shone about them. And they were very afraid.

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people.

11 “For to 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 Baby swaddled and laid in a feeding trough.”

13 And immediately, there was with the Angel a multitude of Heavenly soldiers, praising God, and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the High Heaven! Peace on Earth, and to man, according to His good pleasure!”

15 And it came to pass, when the angels had gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us go to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing which has happened, which the Lord has shown to us.”

16 So they came quickly, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the Baby laid in the feeding trough.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known the thing which was told to them about that Child.

18 And all who heard it, marveled at the things which were told to them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary preserved all those sayings and pondered them in her heart.

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

21 And when the eighth day had come (on which they circumcised the Child), His Name was then called “Jesus” - which was named by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification were completed (according to the Law of Moses), 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.”)

24 and to give an oblation - as is commanded 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. This man was just and feared God and waited for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was declared to him from God by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Anointed of the Lord.

27 And he was led by the Spirit into the Temple. And when the parents brought in the Baby Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the Law,

28 he then took Him in his arms and praised 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 before the face of all people);

32 “a Light to be revealed to the Gentiles and the Glory of Your people, Israel!”

33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken about Him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against,

35 Yes, and a sword shall pierce through your soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened.”

36 And there was a prophetess - one Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher - who was of a great age (after she had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity).

37 And she had been widowed for about 84 years and had never left the Temple; but had served God with fasting and prayers night and day.

38 Then, coming upon them at that same instant, she likewise confessed the Lord, and spoke of Him to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And 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, and was filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was with Him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

42 And when He was twelve years old, and they had come up to Jerusalem (after the custom of the feast),

43 and had finished the days and were returning, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And neither Joseph nor his mother, Mary, knew.

44 But they, supposing that He had been in their company, went a day’s journey and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.

45 And when they did not find Him, they turned back to Jerusalem and sought Him.

46 And it happened that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, hearing them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You dealt with us like this? Behold, Your father and I have sought You with very heavy hearts.”

49 Then He said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must go about My Father’s business?”

50 But they did not understand the Word that He spoke to them.

51 Then He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient 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.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

In those days (A)a decree went out from (B)Caesar Augustus that all the world should be (C)registered. This was the first (D)registration when[a] Quirinius (E)was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up (F)from Galilee, from the town of (G)Nazareth, to Judea, to (H)the city of David, which is called (I)Bethlehem, (J)because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. And (K)while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and (L)wrapped him in swaddling cloths and (M)laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in (N)the inn.[c]

The Shepherds and the Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord (O)appeared to them, and (P)the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all (Q)the people. 11 For (R)unto you is born this day in (S)the city of David (T)a Savior, who is (U)Christ (V)the Lord. 12 And (W)this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby (X)wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel (Y)a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Z)“Glory to God (AA)in the highest,
    (AB)and on earth (AC)peace (AD)among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby (AE)lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But (AF)Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, (AG)glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And (AH)at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, (AI)he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

22 And (AJ)when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem (AK)to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in (AL)the Law of the Lord, (AM)“Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in (AN)the Law of the Lord, (AO)“a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was (AP)righteous and (AQ)devout, (AR)waiting for (AS)the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not (AT)see death before he had seen (AU)the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when (AV)the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and (AW)blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[e] depart (AX)in peace,
    (AY)according to your word;
30 for (AZ)my eyes have seen your (BA)salvation
31     (BB)that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 (BC)a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and (BD)for glory to (BE)your people Israel.”

33 And (BF)his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed (BG)for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign (BH)that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was (BI)a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[f] She did not depart from the temple, (BJ)worshiping with (BK)fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were (BL)waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

39 And when they had performed everything according to (BM)the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of (BN)Nazareth. 40 (BO)And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now (BP)his parents went (BQ)to Jerusalem every year at (BR)the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, (BS)they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast (BT)was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. (BU)His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, (BV)sitting among (BW)the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[g] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, (BX)your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that (BY)I must be in (BZ)my Father's house?”[h] 50 And (CA)they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And (CB)his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus (CC)increased in wisdom and in stature[i] and in (CD)favor with God and man.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:2 Or This was the registration before
  2. Luke 2:5 That is, one legally pledged to be married
  3. Luke 2:7 Or guest room
  4. Luke 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men
  5. Luke 2:29 Or bondservant
  6. Luke 2:37 Or as a widow for eighty-four years
  7. Luke 2:48 Greek they
  8. Luke 2:49 Or about my Father's business
  9. Luke 2:52 Or years

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

Nacimiento de Jesús

Por aquellos días Augusto César decretó que se levantara un censo en todo el Imperio romano.[a] (Este primer censo se efectuó cuando Cirenio gobernaba en Siria). Así que iban todos a inscribirse, cada cual a su propio pueblo.

También José, que era descendiente del rey David, subió de Nazaret, ciudad de Galilea, a Judea. Fue a Belén, la Ciudad de David, para inscribirse junto con María su esposa.[b] Ella se encontraba encinta y, mientras estaban allí, le llegó el tiempo del parto. Así que dio a luz a su hijo primogénito. Lo envolvió en pañales y lo acostó en un pesebre, porque no había lugar para ellos en la posada.

Los pastores y los ángeles

En esa misma región había unos pastores que pasaban la noche en el campo, turnándose para cuidar sus rebaños. Sucedió que un ángel del Señor se les apareció. La gloria del Señor los envolvió en su luz, y se llenaron de temor. 10 Pero el ángel les dijo: «No tengáis miedo. Mirad que os traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegría para todo el pueblo. 11 Hoy os ha nacido en la Ciudad de David un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor. 12 Esto os servirá de señal: Encontraréis a un niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un pesebre».

13 De repente apareció una multitud de ángeles del cielo, que alababan a Dios y decían:

14 «Gloria a Dios en las alturas,
    y en la tierra paz a los que gozan de su buena voluntad».[c]

15 Cuando los ángeles se fueron al cielo, los pastores se dijeron unos a otros: «Vamos a Belén, a ver esto que ha pasado y que el Señor nos ha dado a conocer».

16 Así que fueron de prisa y encontraron a María y a José, y al niño que estaba acostado en el pesebre. 17 Cuando vieron al niño, contaron lo que les habían dicho acerca de él, 18 y cuantos lo oyeron se asombraron de lo que los pastores decían. 19 María, por su parte, guardaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y meditaba acerca de ellas. 20 Los pastores regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios por lo que habían visto y oído, pues todo sucedió tal como se les había dicho.

Presentación de Jesús en el templo

21 Cuando se cumplieron los ocho días y fueron a circuncidarlo, lo llamaron Jesús, nombre que el ángel le había puesto antes de que fuera concebido.

22 Así mismo, cuando se cumplió el tiempo en que, según la ley de Moisés, ellos debían purificarse, José y María llevaron al niño a Jerusalén para presentarlo al Señor. 23 Así cumplieron con lo que en la ley del Señor está escrito: «Todo varón primogénito será consagrado[d] al Señor».[e] 24 También ofrecieron un sacrificio conforme a lo que la ley del Señor dice: «un par de tórtolas o dos pichones de paloma».[f]

25 Ahora bien, en Jerusalén había un hombre llamado Simeón, que era justo y devoto, y aguardaba con esperanza la redención[g] de Israel. El Espíritu Santo estaba con él 26 y le había revelado que no moriría sin antes ver al Cristo del Señor. 27 Movido por el Espíritu, fue al templo. Cuando al niño Jesús lo llevaron sus padres para cumplir con la costumbre establecida por la ley, 28 Simeón lo tomó en sus brazos y bendijo a Dios:

29 «Según tu palabra, Soberano Señor,
    ya puedes despedir a tu siervo en paz.
30 Porque han visto mis ojos tu salvación,
31     que has preparado a la vista de todos los pueblos:
32 luz que ilumina a las naciones
    y gloria de tu pueblo Israel».

33 El padre y la madre del niño se quedaron maravillados por lo que se decía de él. 34 Simeón les dio su bendición y le dijo a María, la madre de Jesús: «Este niño está destinado a causar la caída y el levantamiento de muchos en Israel, y a crear mucha oposición,[h] 35 a fin de que se manifiesten las intenciones de muchos corazones. En cuanto a ti, una espada te atravesará el alma».

36 Había también una profetisa, Ana, hija de Penuel, de la tribu de Aser. Era muy anciana; casada de joven, había vivido con su esposo siete años, 37 y luego permaneció viuda hasta la edad de ochenta y cuatro.[i] Nunca salía del templo, sino que día y noche adoraba a Dios con ayunos y oraciones. 38 Llegando en ese mismo momento, Ana dio gracias a Dios y comenzó a hablar del niño a todos los que esperaban la redención de Jerusalén.

39 Después de haber cumplido con todo lo que exigía la ley del Señor, José y María regresaron a Galilea, a su propio pueblo de Nazaret. 40 El niño crecía y se fortalecía; progresaba en sabiduría, y la gracia de Dios lo acompañaba.

El niño Jesús en el templo

41 Los padres de Jesús subían todos los años a Jerusalén para la fiesta de la Pascua. 42 Cuando cumplió doce años, fueron allá según era la costumbre. 43 Terminada la fiesta, emprendieron el viaje de regreso, pero el niño Jesús se había quedado en Jerusalén, sin que sus padres se dieran cuenta. 44 Ellos, pensando que él estaba entre el grupo de viajeros, hicieron un día de camino mientras lo buscaban entre los parientes y conocidos. 45 Al no encontrarlo, volvieron a Jerusalén en su busca. 46 Al cabo de tres días lo encontraron en el templo, sentado entre los maestros, escuchándolos y haciéndoles preguntas. 47 Todos los que le oían se asombraban de su inteligencia y de sus respuestas. 48 Cuando lo vieron sus padres, se quedaron admirados.

―Hijo, ¿por qué te has portado así con nosotros? —le dijo su madre—. ¡Mira que tu padre y yo te hemos estado buscando angustiados!

49 ―¿Por qué me buscabais? ¿No sabíais que tengo que estar en la casa[j] de mi Padre?

50 Pero ellos no entendieron lo que les decía.

51 Así que Jesús bajó con sus padres a Nazaret y vivió sujeto a ellos. Pero su madre conservaba todas estas cosas en el corazón. 52 Jesús siguió creciendo en sabiduría y estatura, y cada vez más gozaba del favor de Dios y de toda la gente.

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 el Imperio romano. Lit. el mundo.
  2. 2:5 María su esposa. Lit. María, que estaba comprometida para casarse con él.
  3. 2:14 paz … voluntad. Lit. paz a los hombres de buena voluntad. Var. paz, buena voluntad a los hombres.
  4. 2:23 Todo … consagrado. Lit. Todo varón que abre la matriz será llamado santo.
  5. 2:23 Éx 13:2,12
  6. 2:24 Lv 12:8
  7. 2:25 redención. Lit. consolación.
  8. 2:34 a crear mucha oposición. Lit. a ser una señal contra la cual se hablará.
  9. 2:37 hasta la edad de ochenta y cuatro. Alt. durante ochenta y cuatro años.
  10. 2:49 en la casa. Alt. en los asuntos.