Luke 2:1-20

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 their

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

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 heaven,

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. (NIV)