THE BIRTH OF JESUS

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustusl that the whole empireA should be registered. 2 This first registration took place whileB Quirinius was governing Syria.m 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazarethn in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,o because he was of the house and family line of David,p 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to himC and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,* because there was no guest room available for them.

THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELS

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lordq stood before them,r and the glory of the Lords shone around them, and they were terrified.E 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,t for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:F 11 Today in the city of David a Savioru was born for you, who is the Messiah,v the Lord.w 12 This will be the sign for you:x You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hostG with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,y

and peace on earthz to people he favors!H,I,aa

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”