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Luke

Offers a detailed narrative of Jesus' life from birth to ascension, highlighting His compassion and focus on the marginalized.

Chapter 2

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1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

*In those days, Caesar Augustus ordered a tax for everyone around the world.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

*This rule, called a tax, began when a man named Cyrenius was in charge in Syria.

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

*Everyone went to get taxed in their own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

*Joseph traveled from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judaea, to a place called Bethlehem, which was David's city. He did this because he belonged to David's family.

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

*To pay taxes with Mary, his promised wife, who was pregnant.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

*So, as they stayed there, her time to give birth came to an end.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

*She had her first baby and wrapped him in soft cloths. She put him in a feeding trough since there was no space in the hotel for them.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

*In that place, shepherds were in the field watching their sheep at night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

*And suddenly, an angel appeared to them, and the Lord's great light surrounded them. They were very scared.

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.

*And the angel told them, Don't be afraid: for look, I have good news that will bring great happiness for everyone.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

*Today, a Savior named Christ the Lord has been born for you in the city of David.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

*This means: You'll know it when you see it - the baby will be wrapped in soft cloth and lying in a feeding trough.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

*Suddenly, many angels appeared with the main angel, praising God and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

*Glory to God above! On Earth, peace and kindness to all people.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

*After the angels left, the shepherds said, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what happened, which God told us about."

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

*They quickly arrived and discovered Mary, Joseph, and the baby in a feeding trough.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

*When they saw it, they shared the news they heard about this child with others.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

*Everyone who heard the story from the shepherds was amazed by what they said.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

*But Mary saved all these memories, thinking about them in her mind.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

*The shepherds went back, praising God for what they heard and saw, just like they were told.

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.

*After eight days, for the boy's circumcision, they named him JESUS, as the angel had chosen this name before he was born.

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;

*When the time for her cleansing based on Moses' teachings ended, they took him to Jerusalem to offer him to God.

23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

*As written in God's rules, any boy born from a woman should be considered special to God.

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

*Offer a sacrifice as the Lord's law says, with either two doves or two young pigeons.

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 Ghost was upon him.

*In Jerusalem, there was a man named Simeon. He was righteous and religious, patiently waiting for comfort for Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

*The Holy Spirit showed him that he wouldn't die until he saw Jesus, the Lord's 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,

*He arrived at the temple with the Spirit, and when the child's parents brought Jesus there, following the legal tradition, they were going to perform a ritual.

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

*Then he held him in his arms, praised God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

*Lord, now let your servant go in peace, just as you said.

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

*I saw your salvation with my own eyes.

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

*Which you have made ready for everyone to see.

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

*A light to brighten non-Jews, and the honor of your Jewish people.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

*Joseph and his mom were amazed by what they heard about 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;

*Simeon blessed them and told Mary, "This child will bring ups and downs for many people in Israel. He will also be a sign that others will oppose."

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

*Yes, a sword will hurt your own soul too, so that everyone's true feelings can be seen.

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;

*There was an old lady named Anna, who was a prophet. She was the daughter of Phanuel and belonged to the tribe of Aser. She had been married for only seven years out of her entire life, before she got married.

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.

*She was an old widow who had lived for around 84 years. She never left the temple and constantly worshipped God by fasting and praying all day and night.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

*She immediately thanked the Lord as well and talked about him to everyone waiting for salvation in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

*After doing everything the Lord's law said, they went back to Galilee and their hometown, Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

*The child became bigger and stronger inside, smart and full of God's kindness.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

*Every year, his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

*At age twelve, they took him to Jerusalem for the annual festival as was their tradition.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

*After the days were over, when they left, Jesus, the child, stayed behind in Jerusalem without Joseph and his mother knowing.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

*But thinking he was with the group, they traveled a day's distance. They searched for him among their relatives and friends.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

*When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him more.

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.

*After three days, they found him in the temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

*Everyone who listened was amazed by how smart he was and the answers he gave.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

*When they saw him, they were surprised. His mom asked him, "Son, why did you do this to us? Your dad and I were worried about you."

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

*He asked them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I have to be busy with my Father's work?"

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

*They didn't understand what he said.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

*He went down with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. But his mom remembered all the things he said.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

*Jesus grew wiser, taller, and more liked by both people and God.

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