The Birth of Jesus
1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
15When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.