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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 2 NLT</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../cmenus/luke/2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="../topmenuchap/luke/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="../">NLT</a> > Luke 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../luke/1.htm" title="Luke 1">◄</a> Luke 2 <a href="../luke/3.htm" title="Luke 3">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">New Living Translation</td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/p/nlt/esv/luke/2.shtml" style="color:#001320" title="Parallel Chapters"> Par ▾ </a></td></tr></table></div><div class="chap"><p class="hdg">The Birth of Jesus</p><p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.</p><p class="hdg">The Shepherds and Angels</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,</p><p class="b"/><p class="line1"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>“Glory to God in highest heaven,</p><p class="line2">and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”</p><p class="b"/><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.</p><p class="hdg">Jesus Is Presented in the Temple</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD.”<a href="#footnotes"><span class="fn">a</span></a> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-24.htm"><b>24</b></a></span>So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”<a href="#footnotes"><span class="fn">b</span></a></p><p class="hdg">The Prophecy of Simeon</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-25.htm"><b>25</b></a></span>At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-26.htm"><b>26</b></a></span>and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-27.htm"><b>27</b></a></span>That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-28.htm"><b>28</b></a></span>Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,</p><p class="b"/><p class="line1"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-29.htm"><b>29</b></a></span>“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,</p><p class="line2">as you have promised.</p><p class="line1"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-30.htm"><b>30</b></a></span>I have seen your salvation,</p><p class="line2"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-31.htm"><b>31</b></a></span>which you have prepared for all people.</p><p class="line1"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-32.htm"><b>32</b></a></span>He is a light to reveal God to the nations,</p><p class="line2">and he is the glory of your people Israel!”</p><p class="b"/><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-33.htm"><b>33</b></a></span>Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-34.htm"><b>34</b></a></span>Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-35.htm"><b>35</b></a></span>As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”</p><p class="hdg">The Prophecy of Anna</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-36.htm"><b>36</b></a></span>Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-37.htm"><b>37</b></a></span>Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.<a href="#footnotes"><span class="fn">c</span></a> She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-38.htm"><b>38</b></a></span>She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-39.htm"><b>39</b></a></span>When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-40.htm"><b>40</b></a></span>There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.</p><p class="hdg">Jesus Speaks with the Teachers</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-41.htm"><b>41</b></a></span>Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-42.htm"><b>42</b></a></span>When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-43.htm"><b>43</b></a></span>After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-44.htm"><b>44</b></a></span>because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-45.htm"><b>45</b></a></span>When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-46.htm"><b>46</b></a></span>Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-47.htm"><b>47</b></a></span>All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-48.htm"><b>48</b></a></span>His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-49.htm"><b>49</b></a></span><span class="red">“But why did you need to search?”</span> he asked. <span class="red">“Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”<a href="#footnotes"><span class="fn">d</span></a></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-50.htm"><b>50</b></a></span>But they didn’t understand what he meant.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-51.htm"><b>51</b></a></span>Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.</p><p class="reg"> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/2-52.htm"><b>52</b></a></span>Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.</p><A name="footnotes"></a><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><span class="mainfootnotes"><span class="mainfootnoteshdg">Footnotes:</span><br><span class="fn">a</span><note caller="+" style="f"><span class="fr">2:23 </span><span class="ft">Exod 13:2.</span><br><span class="fn">b</span><note caller="+" style="f"><span class="fr">2:24 </span><span class="ft">Lev 12:8.</span><br><span class="fn">c</span><note caller="+" style="f"><span class="fr">2:37 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="it">She had been a widow for eighty-four years.</span><br><span class="fn">d</span><note caller="+" style="f"><span class="fr">2:49 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="it">“Didn’t you realize that I should be involved with my Father’s affairs?”</span><br></span></div></div><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center"><em>Holy Bible</em>, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of <a href="http://www.tyndale.com">Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.</a>, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 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