And it came to pass in
those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all
the world should be taxed.
2 (And
this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed,
every one into his 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:)
5
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, 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 firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a
manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
8 And there were in the same
country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by
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.
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.
11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall
be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men.
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.
16 And they came with haste, and
found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a
manger.
17 And when they had seen it,
they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this
child.
18 And all they that heard it
wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these
things, and pondered them in her heart.
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.
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.
(Luke 2:1-21) The Holy Bible
