Luke 2:8-35

Announcement to shepherds

8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night.

9 The Lord's angel stood before them, the Lord's glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.

11 Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord.

12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said,

14 "Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors."

15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go right now to Bethlehem and see what's happened. Let's confirm what the Lord has revealed to us."

16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.

17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child.

18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them.

19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.

20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Jesus’ circumcision, naming, and temple presentation

21 When eight days had passed, Jesus' parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived.

22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (

23 It's written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.")

24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what's stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Simeon’s response to Jesus

25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.

26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn't die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus' parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law.

28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,

29 "Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,

30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.

31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.

32 It's a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel."

33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him.

34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition

35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too."

Footnotes

• [a]. Lev 12:8; 5:11 LXX