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Chapter 2  
     
1.
 And it came to pass in the sixth year since the birth of John, upon the uprisings of the Zealots, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the inhabitants of Judea.
 
2.
 And this subtle attempt to root out all oppossed to Roman rule was made the first task of Quirinius the new Roman governor of Syria.  
3.
 And to quell revolt, all were told it was for taxes, and that every one shall mark their mark into their own city and that none shall be excused.
  
4.
 And so Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the community of Nazara, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:
  
5.
 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
  
6.
 And so it was, that, while they were there it was the Passover of the fourteenth of the first month of the sixth year since the birth of John, that the auspicious day of birth was accomplished that she should be delivered.
  
7.
 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger under the shepherd's watchtower; because it was not safe for them in any of the safe houses.
  
8.
 And there were in the same country great Priests of Persia camped in the field, keeping watch over the stars and heavens by night.
  
9.
 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them by vision as they slept, and in their vision the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
  
10.
 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
  
11.
 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the true Messiah.
  
12.
 And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall see a lantern lit in a shepherds watchtower and there you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
  
13.
 And suddenly in their vision there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
  
14.
 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
  
15.
 And it came to pass, when the Magi Priests of Persia awoke as the they said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem at foretold in prophecy, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.
  
16.
 And they came with their servants and saw the lantern shining bright in the watchtower, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
  
17.
 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child and prophecy.
  
18.
 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by these just and wise men of Zoroaster.
  
19.
 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  
20.
 And the Magi returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
  
21.
 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.
  
22.
 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;
  
23.
 As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;
  
24.
 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the community rule of their order that no flesh from a living thing be sacrificed that incense was burned and a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons were released unharmed.
  
25.
 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 Spirit was upon him.
  
26.
 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the coming of the true Messiah.
  
27.
 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,
  
28.
 Thereupon the approval of Josephy, he took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
  
29.
 Lord, now lettest you thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
  
30.
 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
  
31.
 Which you have prepared before the face of all people;
  
32.
 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  
33.
 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
  
34.
 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;
  
35.
 That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
  
36.
 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;
  
37.
 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.
  
38.
 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  
39.
 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own community of Nazara.
  
40.
 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
  
41.
 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.
  
42.
 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
  
43.
 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus waited behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
  
44.
 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their community members and acquaintances.
  
45.
 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
  
46.
 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.
  
47.
 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
  
48.
 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why have you thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
  
49.
 And he said unto them, How is it that you sought me? Did you not tell me that I must be about my Father's business?
  
50.
 And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them.
  
51.
 And he left the temple and went with his mother and community members and returned to Nazara, and was subject to harsh rebuke and questioning unto them as to what of their plans he had revealed: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  
52.
 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
  

 
 
 

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