Luke 2

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

During that time, Caesar Augustus issued an order that a census be taken of everyone in the empire.

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

This was the first census, taken while Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

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

Everyone traveled to their hometowns, filled with a sense of duty, to be registered.

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:)

Joseph, hailing from the humble city of Nazareth in Galilee, embarked on a journey to Bethlehem, the city of David. He was bound by his ancestral roots to David's lineage.

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

Joseph went there to be registered together with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was heavily pregnant.

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

And so, while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

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.

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She swaddled him tenderly and placed him in a manger, for there was no space for them in the inn.

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

In that same land, humble shepherds were out in the fields, vigilantly guarding their sheep under the starry night sky.

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.

Suddenly, God's angel appeared among them, and God's brilliance enveloped them. They were overwhelmed with fear.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The angel reassured them, "Don't be scared. I've come with exciting, joyful news for everyone!"

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Today, in David's city, a Savior has been born for you - He is Christ the Lord.

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

Here's your sign; you'll find the baby, snugly wrapped in soft cloths, peacefully resting in a feeding trough.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast choir of heavenly beings, all singing praises to God, expressing their joy and reverence.

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

Celebrate the greatness of God above all, and let tranquility and kindness fill the hearts of people on earth.

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.

After the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds turned to each other, their hearts filled with awe and curiosity. "Let's go to Bethlehem," they said, "to witness this miracle that God has revealed to us."

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

They rushed eagerly, and discovered Mary, Joseph, and the newborn, peacefully nestled in a manger.

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

After witnessing it, they couldn't contain their joy and excitement. They spread the word far and wide about the prophecy related to this miraculous child.

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

Everyone who heard the shepherds' tale was filled with awe and amazement.

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

Mary, deeply moved, held all these events close, reflecting on them in her heart.

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

The shepherds journeyed back, their hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude towards God for all the miracles they had witnessed, just as they had been promised.

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.

After eight days, the child was lovingly circumcised and given the name Jesus, a name chosen by an angel even before his miraculous conception.

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;

After she had completed the cleansing period required by Moses' law, they took him to Jerusalem, to introduce him to the Lord.

(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

As the Lord's law declares, every firstborn son is considered sacred.

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.

They also came to offer the sacrifice the Lord's law requires: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

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.

In Jerusalem, there lived a man named Simeon. He was a good and deeply religious man, patiently hoping for Israel's redemption. He was blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

The Holy Spirit assured him that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes.

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,

Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. His heart stirred as he saw the young child Jesus, brought in by his parents to follow the sacred traditions of their faith.

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

He lovingly cradled him in his arms, thanked God with a joyful heart, and spoke:

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

God, you've given me your word, now I can leave this world in peace, as your humble servant.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

My eyes have witnessed your divine rescue.

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

You've lovingly prepared this for everyone to see and experience.

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

A beacon of hope for all nations, and the pride of your people, Israel.

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

Joseph and his mother were filled with awe and wonder at the words spoken about him.

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;

Simeon, filled with joy, blessed them. He looked at Mary, the mother, and said, "See, this child will bring about great change in Israel. Many will fall and rise because of him. He will be a symbol that many will oppose."

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

Indeed, your soul too will feel the sting of a sword, unveiling the hidden thoughts of many.

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;

Anna, a wise prophetess from the tribe of Aser and daughter of Phanuel, was a woman of many years. She had been married for seven years since her youth.

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.

She was a widow, aged 84, who never left the temple. She devoted herself to God, praying and fasting day and night.

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.

In that very moment, she entered, overflowing with gratitude to God. She spoke about Him to everyone in Jerusalem who was seeking salvation.

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

After fulfilling all the Lord's requirements, they journeyed back to Galilee, to their beloved hometown, Nazareth.

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

The child blossomed, his spirit robust and wise, bathed in God's loving grace.

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

Every year, his parents faithfully journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the sacred Passover feast.

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

At the tender age of twelve, following their cherished tradition, they journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast.

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.

After their days of worship were over, they started their journey back home. Unbeknownst to them, young Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem.

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

Assuming he was with them, they traveled a whole day before realizing he was missing. They began searching for him among their family and friends.

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

When they couldn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem, their hearts filled with worry and determination to search for him.

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.

After three days of searching, they finally found him in the temple. He was there, sitting among the scholars, not just listening to them, but also engaging them with his questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Everyone who heard him was amazed by his wisdom and responses.

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.

Seeing him, they were astounded. His mother, with a mix of relief and reproach, asked, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been desperately searching for you, filled with worry."

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

He asked them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I have to be involved in my Father's work?"

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

They couldn't grasp the meaning of his words.

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.

He journeyed with them to Nazareth, humbly obeying them. His mother, however, treasured these moments deep within her heart.

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

As Jesus grew, he blossomed not only in height but also in wisdom, earning love and respect from both God and people.