Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

All went to be taxed, each one returning to their own city. 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. To be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, laying him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, keeping watch by night over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them, causing them to be filled with great fear. The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born today in David's city a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." And this shall be a sign to you: you will find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men." As the angels departed into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."

They came with haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. When they had seen it, they spread the word about the child, sharing the report that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it were amazed at the things told them by the shepherds.

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which had been given to him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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. Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord, according to the law of the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, with the Holy Spirit resting upon him. And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. 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.

Then he took him up in his arms and blessed God, saying, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light to bring guidance to the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel." And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.

Simeon blessed them, saying to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the downfall and resurrection of many in Israel, and he will be a sign that sparks opposition. A sword will pierce your own soul." And there was one Anna, a prophetess of great age and faithfulness, who had lived with her husband for only seven years after her marriage.

And she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who had not departed from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. She came in that moment, giving thanks to the Lord and speaking about him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had fulfilled all that was required of them according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and God's favor was upon him. Every year, Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

When they had completed their time in Jerusalem, Jesus stayed behind, and his parents did not know it. But they, thinking he was among their group, went a day's journey and searched for him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they couldn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem seeking him.

After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his insightful responses. And when they saw him, they were amazed; his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been frantically searching for you."

And he said to them, "Why did you look for me? Didn't you know I had to be about my Father's business?" And they failed to understand what he was saying to them. He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, where he lived under their authority, while his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people.