1. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2. This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3. And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4. So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5. to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6. So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8. And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.