And thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest, for thou shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace.
The child grew and became strong in spirit. He was in the desert until the day of his showing to Israel.
2 A decree went out from Caesar Augustus. According to the decree every man was to go to his own city to be taxed. Because he was of the house and lineage of David, Joseph went up from Nazareth in Galilee, to the city of Bethlehem in Judaea to be taxed. With him was Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. She brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same country shepherds were in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone about them. They became afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not. Behold, I bring you good tidings which shall be great joy to all people. A Savior, Christ the Lord, is born this day in the city of David. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Then there also appeared a heavenly host praising God. They said, Glory to God in the highest and, on earth, peace and good will toward men.
The shepherds said, Let us go to Bethlehem and see what has come to pass which the Lord has made known to us. They went with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
When they saw, they made it known abroad what was told them concerning this child. Those who heard, wondered at what they were told. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
When eight days were completed for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. When the days of the purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as it is written in the law: Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. And, also according to law of the Lord, they offered the sacrifice: a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
There was a man in Jerusalem, named Simeon. He was a just and devout man, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Ghost was upon him and revealed to him that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
He came by the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus, Simeon took Him up in his arms, blessed God, and said, Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for my eyes have seen thy salvation which thou has prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people, Israel.
Joseph and Mary marvelled at the things which were spoken of Him. Simeon blessed them, and said to His mother, Mary, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which will be spoken against. A sword shall pierce thy soul that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.