Luke 2:1-20

Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census should be taken of everyone in the empire. This first enrollment took place while Cyrenius was governor of Syria, and everyone was to be registered in the town where they were born. So Joseph went up from Nazareth of Galilee, to the city of David, which is Bethlehem of Judea, because he was from the family of David - a direct descendant. He registered with Mary because they were engaged to be married. Mary was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were some shepherds in the area, living in fields to watch over their sheep that night. And behold, an angel of the LORD stood over them, and the glory of the LORD shined all around them. And they were frightened. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news which will bring great joy to all the people. For today your SAVIOR, CHRIST the LORD, was born in Bethlehem. And this is how you will know him: you will find a baby wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly angels joined the first angel, praising GOD, saying, "Give glory to GOD in heaven and on earth. Let there be peace and goodwill among men." When the angels had gone away, the shepherds agreed to go to Bethlehem "to see what has happened, which the LORD has made known to us." So the shepherds quickly went and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, which was lying in a manger. When the shepherds saw the baby, they revealed what the angels had told them about this child. Everyone was amazed when they heard what the shepherds had to say. Mary preserved these memories in her heart as she continued to think about them. And the shepherds returned to the fields, glorifying and praising GOD. For all they had seen and heard was just as the angel had told them.