In those days there went out an ordinance from Cæsar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the world. This first census was taken when Cyrenius was proconsul of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each one to his own city. And Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused [wife,] who was with child. And while they were there the days

for her delivery were completed; and she bore her first-born son, and wrapped him in bandages, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the khan.

And there were shepherds in that country staying in the fields and watching their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good news of a great joy, which shall be for all people. For to you was born to-day in the city of David, a Saviour who is the anointed Lord. And this shall be a sign to you. You shall find the babe wrapped in bandages, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heavens], on earth peace, and among men good will!

And when the angels had departed from them to heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go now to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has occurred, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came in haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it they related the word spoken to them concerning this child; and all who heard wondered at the things told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, revolving them in her mind. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

And when eight days were completed, [the time] to circumcise him, his name was called Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of their purification were completed according to the law of Moses, they carried him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord that every male which is a first born shall be called holy to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

And behold, there was a man at Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was just and pious, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. And he was informed by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death till he had seen the Lord's anointed. And he came by the spirit into

the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do according to the custom of the law concerning him, he also took it in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Now, Master, dismiss thy servant according to thy word, in peace; for my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before all people; a light for enlightening Gentiles, and a glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother wondered at the words spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against, and a sword shall pierce your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was Anna, a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was far advanced in years, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and she had been a widow eighty-four years, and departed not from the temple, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. And she coming by at that time, praised God, and spoke of him [the child] to all who expected a redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had finished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the little child grew, and became strong, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon it.

And his parents went up yearly to Jerusalem to the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast. And having completed the days, on their return, the child Jesus remained behind at Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not. But supposing that he was in the company went a day's journey and sought him among their relations and acquaintances. And not finding him they returned to Jerusalem to seek him. And after three days they found him sitting in the temple in the midst of the teachers, both hearing and questioning them. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and his answers.

And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, Son, why have you dealt thus with us? Behold, your father and I have sought you with sorrow. And he said to them, Why did you seek me? did you not know that I must be in [the courts] of my father? And they understood not the word which he spoke to them. And he went down with them,

and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

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