1. Now it happened in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world’s inhabitants.
2. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3. Everyone was traveling to be registered in his own city.
4. Now Joseph also went up from the Galilee, out of the town of Natzeret to Judah, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family of David.
5. He went to register with Miriam, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.
6. But while they were there, the time came for her to give birth—
7. and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped Him in strips of cloth and set Him down in a manger, since there was no room for them in the inn.
8. Now there were shepherds in the same region, living out in the fields and guarding their flock at night.
9. Suddenly an angel of Adonai stood before them, and the glory of Adonai shone all around them; and they were absolutely terrified.