Luke 2:1-14

1 At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

2 When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria.

3 Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown.

4 Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David.

5 He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant,

6 and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby.

7 She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger - there was no room for them to stay in the inn.

8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, ¹

10 but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.

11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born - Christ the Lord!

12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"

Cross References

• 1. +22.9Tobit 5.4.