Luke 2:1-7 Jefferson Page 5, NRSV Simple Faith, CEV, Passion, NIV Daily, Phillips
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7 Passion During those days, the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered that the first census be taken throughout his empire.
(Quirinius was the governor of Syria at that time.)
Everyone had to travel to the hometown of their family to complete the mandatory census.
So Joseph and his wife, Mary, left Nazareth, a village in Galilee, and journeyed to their hometown in Judea, to the of Bethlehem, King David's ancient home.
They were required to register there, since they were both direct descendants of David. Mary was pregnant and nearly ready to give birth.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor, and there she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the newborn baby in strips of cloth,
and Mary and Joseph laid him in a feeding trough since there was no available space in any upper room in the village.
Baby Jesus Dedicated in the Temple
Luke 2:21 Passion On the day of the baby's circumcision ceremony, eight days after his birth, his parents gave him the name Jesus, the name prophesied by the angel before he was born.
Luke 2:39-40 Passion When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required of them by the Law of the Lord, they took Jesus and returned to their home in Nazareth in Galilee.
The child grew more powerful in grace, for he was being filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:42 Passion When Jesus turned twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, as was their custom.