Luke 2:1-16 ▼

1 NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole land should be registered.

2 (And this first enrolment was made by Cyrenius, afterwards governor of Syria)

3 And all went to be registered, every one to his own city.

4 Then 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 family of David;

5 to be enregistered with Mary, the wife espoused to him, who was big with child.

6 And it came to pass, while they were there, that her time was up, that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth a son, her first-born, 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 shepherds in that country abiding in the open air, and keeping guard over their flock by night.

9 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were exceedingly affrighted.

10 And the angel said unto them, Be not affrighted: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people.

11 Because this day there is born for you a Saviour, which is Messiah, the Lord, in the city of David.

12 And this shall be a sign for you; Ye shall find the babe in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,

14 Glory in the highest heavens to God! and upon earth, peace! towards men complacence.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels went from them into heaven, the men, the shepherds, said also to each other, Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath happened, which the Lord hath made known to us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in the manger: