77 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us,
78 To give light to them who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.
79 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
Luke 2 Intro: Birth of Christ -- The Shepherds' vision -- Simeon and Anna prophesy.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all his empire should be taxed.
2 This same taxing was when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
3 And all went to be taxed, every one in his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5 To be taxed, with Mary his espoused wife, she being great with child.
6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was none to give room for them in the inns.
