1. 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.