1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should
be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was
governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called
Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He
went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a
child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she
gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a
manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their
flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do
not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and
lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which
the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and
Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known
what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at
what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered
them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they
had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:1-20)
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