“In
those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
enrolled…3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also
went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of
David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of
David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for
her to be delivered. 7 And she gave
birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in
a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in that region there were shepherds out
in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filed with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid,
for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people;
11 for to you is born this day in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will
find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among men with
whom he is pleased.’”
(Revised Standard Version Luke 2:1, 3-14)
