Posted on: Wednesday, December 25, 2002

The Nativity

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, which is called "Bethlehem" (because he was of the house and lineage 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 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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them, and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them: Fear not. For behold, I bring you good tidings of joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be 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 the heavens, the shepherds said to one another: Let us go now even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, that which the Lord hath made known to 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 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 they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

— St. Luke, Chapter 2
King James Version