|
[1] And in those days it occurred, that a decree went forth from Augustus Caesar, that all the people of his dominion should be enrolled.
[2] And this enrollment was first made under the presidency of Quirinus in Syria.
[3] And everyone went to his own city to be enrolled.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Nazareth of Galilee to Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
[5] with Mary his espoused, then pregnant, to be enrolled.
[6] And it was while they were there, that the days for her to bring forth were completed.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in bandages, and laid him in the stall; for they had no place where they could lodge.
[8] And there were shepherds in that region, who abode there and kept watch of their flocks by night.
[9] And lo, the angel of God came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone upon them: and they feared with great fear.
[10] And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold I announce to you great joy, which will be to all the world.
[11] For there is born to you this day a deliverer, who is the Lord Messiah, in the city of David
[12] And this is the sign for you: Ye will find the babe wrapped in bandages, and placed in a stall.
[13] And instantly there were seen with the angel, the many hosts of heaven, praising God, and saying:
[14] Glory to God in the highest [heavens], and on earth peace and good hope for men.
[15] And it was so, that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds conferred with one another, and said: Let us go down to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath occurred, as the Lord hath made known to us.
[16] And they came hastily, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe laid in the stall.
[17] And when they saw, they made known the information which was given to them concerning the child.
[18] And all that heard, wondered at the things that were told them by the shepherds.
[19] And Mary laid up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard, as it was told them.
[21] And when the eight days for the circumcision of the child were completed, his name was called JESUS; as he was named by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb
[22] And when the days of their purification were completed, according to the law of Moses, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him before the Lord:
[23] (as it is written in the law of the Lord, that every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:)
[24] and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.
[25] And there was a certain man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. This man was upright and just, and was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
[26] And it had been told him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, until he should see the Messiah of the Lord.
[27] This man came, by the Spirit, into the temple; and when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him as is commanded in the law,
[28] he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and said:
[29] My Lord, now release thou thy servant in peace, as thou hast said:
[30] for lo, my eyes have seen thy mercy,
[31] which thou hast prepared in the presence of all nations,
[32] a light for a revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother were astonished at those things which were spoken concerning him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this [child] is set forth for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, and for a standard of contention;
[35] (and also a dart will pierce thy own soul); that the thoughts of the hearts of many may be disclosed.
[36] And Hanna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she also was aged in days, and, from her maidenhood, had lived seven years with her husband,
[37] and was a widow of about eighty and four years, and departed not from the temple, but worshipped by day and by night with fasting and prayer ;
[38] and she too stood up, in that hour, and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to every one that waited for the redemption of Jerusalem.
[39] And when they had accomplished all things, according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city Nazareth.
[40] And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit, and was filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
[41] And his people went up to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, as they were accustomed.
[43] And when the days were completed, they returned: but the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it];
[44] for they supposed he was with his companions. And when they had travelled a day's journey, they sought him among their people, and [inquired] of every one that knew them.
[45] And they did not find him. And they returned again to Jerusalem, searching for him.
[46] And after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, and listening to them, and asking them questions.
[47] And all they that heard him, were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
[48] And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him: My son, why hast thou done so to us? For lo, I and thy father have been seeking for thee with great anxiety.
[49] He said to them: Why did ye seek me? Do ye not know, that it behooveth me to be in my Father's house?
[50] But they did not comprehend the word that he spoke to them.
[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother laid up all these things in her heart.
[52] And Jesus increased in stature, and in wisdom, and in grace, before God and men.
|