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.
The Shepherds and the Angels
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. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am
bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in
bands of cloth and 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 heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
2
5
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that
has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went
with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the
manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told
them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the
shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered
them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.