The Father Sends His Son
2 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole inhabited world should be registered. a a v1 The 'whole inhabited world' refers to the territories of the Roman Empire, not the entire globe. 2 This was the first registration, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his fiancée, who was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them at the inn.
8 Now there were shepherds in that same region, staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 An angel of our Father appeared to them, and the glory of our Father shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 for today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you — he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising our Father and saying, 14 "Glory to our Father in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! b b v14 The angels' doxology names our Father directly — the Christmas glory belongs to him, who is sending his Son into the world.
15 When the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which our Father has made known to us." 16 They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw him, they made known what had been told them about this child. 18 All who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising our Father for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Presented to the Father
21 When eight days were completed and the time came to circumcise him, he was named Jesus — the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the days of their purification were completed according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to our Father, 23 (as it is written in the Law of our Father, "Every firstborn male shall be called holy to our Father"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of our Father: "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. c c v25 The 'consolation of Israel' was the Jewish hope for the Messiah to come and restore God's people. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen our Father's Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed our Father, saying, 29 "Sovereign Father, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and his mother marveled at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she began to give thanks to our Father and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of our Father, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of our Father was upon him.
The Boy Jesus in His Father's House
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast. 43 When the feast was over and they were on their way home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming he was with the group, they went a day's journey, and then began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been searching for you in great distress!"
49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" d d v49 Jesus says "my Father" — his unique, eternal relation. Where the rest of Scripture invites us into "our Father," Jesus alone calls him "my Father" in this particular way: he is the Son by nature; we are children by his welcome. 50 But they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with our Father and with people.