Luke 2:1 - 20: 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of
the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was
governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he
belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged
to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the
baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were
shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel
of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
He is Christ, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men
on whom his favor rests. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the
Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who
was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had
been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds
said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen,
which were just as they had been told.