1
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2
This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3
All went to their own towns to be registered.
4
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.
5
He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
6
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.