From The Gospel of St Luke
Chapter 2, Verses 1-20
And 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.)
3 And all went to be taxed,every one into his own city.
4 And 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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great
with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days
were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped
him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding
in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 And the angel said unto them,Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to
all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour,which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host praising, God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good
will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away
from them into heaven, the shepherds said or
to another, Let us now go eve 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.
