1And it came to pass in
those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that
all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was
first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be
taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went
up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the
city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the
house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with
Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that,
while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered.
7And she brought
forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in
the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel
of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said
unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord.
12And this shall be a
sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying,
14Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from
them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which
the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and
the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the
saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things
which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her
heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto
them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for
the circumcising of the child, Lev. 12.3 his
name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel
Lk. 1.31 before he was conceived in the womb.