Luke 2:1-14

Christian Standard Bible

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus^(A) that the whole empire^[a] should be registered. ² This first registration took place while^[b] Quirinius was governing Syria.^{(B) 3} So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

⁴ Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth^(C) in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,^(D) because he was of the house and family line of David,^{(E) 5} to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him^[c] and was pregnant. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,^[d] because there was no guest room available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸ In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord^(F) stood before them,^(G) and the glory of the Lord^(H) shone around them, and they were terrified.^{[e] 10} But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,^(I) for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:^{[f] 11} Today in the city of David a Savior^(J) was born for you, who is the Messiah,^(K) the Lord.^{(L) 12} This will be the sign for you:^(M) You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host^[g] with the angel, praising God and saying: