Luke 2:1-16 ▼

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabitants of the land should be enrolled.

2 This enrollment first took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

3 And all went to be enrolled, each one to his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (for he was of the house and family of David,)

5 to be enrolled with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 And it came to pass while they were there, that the days for her to be delivered were completed;

7 and she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swathing-clothes, and laid him in the stable, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds, living in the open field, and guarding their flock by night.

9 And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were greatly afraid.

10 And the angel said to them: Be not afraid; for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be for all people.

11 For there is born for you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be to you the sign: you will find the babe wrapped in swathing-clothes, and lying in a stable.

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 among men.

15 And it came to pass, that, after the angels had gone away into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

16 And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the stable.