Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all 2:1 I.e., the Roman Empirethe inhabited earth. 2 2:2 Or This took place as a first censusThis was the first census taken while 2:2 Gr KyreniosQuirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was 2:5 Unlike engagement, a betrothed couple was considered married, but did not yet live togetherbetrothed to him, and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the 2:6 Lit days were completedtime came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a 2:7 Or feeding troughmanger, because there was no 2:7 Or spaceroom for them in the inn.
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is 2:11 I.e., the MessiahChrist the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a 2:12 Or feeding troughmanger." 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly 2:13 Or hostarmy of angels praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among people 2:14 Lit of good pleasure; or of goodwillwith whom He is pleased."
15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the 2:16 Or feeding troughmanger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.