And
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar
Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first
made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city. 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),
to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being with child. And so it
was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she
should be delivered. 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.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord come
upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they
were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men."
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 to come to pass, which the Lord hath made
known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made
known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And
all that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her
heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all
the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.