1
Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire.
2
It was the first registration made during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria;
3
and all went to be registered--every one to the town to which he belonged.
4
So Joseph went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judaea, to David's town of Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5
to have himself registered together with Mary, who was betrothed to him and was with child.
6
But while they were there, her full time came,
7
and she gave birth to her first-born son, and wrapped Him round, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8
Now there were shepherds in the same part of the country, keeping watch over their sheep by night in the open fields,