LUKE 2:1-20 THE CHRISTMAS STORY
And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from Cæsar
Augustus, that all the world should be taxed,
And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius
was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city
of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which
is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and
linage of David--to be taxed with Mary his espoused
wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days
were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And 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.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding
in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them,
and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a a sign unto you: ye shall find
the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude
of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace
good will toward men.
And 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.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things
which were told them by the shepherds.
But, Mary kept all these things, and pondered them
in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was
told unto them.