The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

¹⁸Now, as it is written, the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way. After his mother, Mary, was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy ghost. ¹⁹Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away in private. ²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a vision, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto yourself Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the holy ghost. ²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. ²²Now this took place that all things might be fulfilled which were spoken of the Lord by the prophets, saying, ²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel — which (being interpreted) is, God with us. ²⁴Then Joseph, awaking out of his vision, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife, ²⁵and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son. And they called his name Jesus.

¹And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all his empire should be taxed. ²This same taxing was when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be taxed, everyone in his own city. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and lineage of David — ⁵to be taxed with Mary his betrothed wife, she being great with child. ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was none to give room for them in the inns. ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds staying out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. ⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰But the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this is the way you shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes and is lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men.

¹⁵And it came to pass when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us. ¹⁶And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷And when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ¹⁸All they who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds; ¹⁹but Mary kept all those things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.