Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

1 Now in those days a decree went out from aCaesar Augustus, that a census be taken of ball 1the inhabited earth.

2 1This was the first census taken while 2Quirinius was governor of aSyria.

3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because ahe was of the house and family of David,

5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

7 And she agave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a 1manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And aan angel of the Lord suddenly bstood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

10 But the angel said to them, “aDo not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a aSavior, who is 1bChrist cthe Lord.

12 “aThis will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a 1manger.”

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

14 “aGlory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men 1bwith whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”