^{1 Ref} Now it came about in those days that an order went out from Caesar Augustus that there was to be a numbering of all the world.

^{2 Ref} This was the first numbering, which was made when Quirinius was ruler of Syria.

³ And all men went to be numbered, everyone to his town.

^{4 Ref} And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judaea, to Beth-lehem, the town of David, because he was of the house and family of David,

^{5 Ref} To be put on the list with Mary, his future wife, who was about to become a mother.

^{6 Ref} And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

^{7 Ref} And she had her first son; and folding him in linen, she put him to rest in the place where the cattle had their food, because there was no room for them in the house.

^{8 Ref} And in the same country there were keepers of sheep in the fields, watching over their flock by night.

^{9 Ref} And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining round about them: and fear came on them.

^{10 Ref} And the angel said, Have no fear; for truly, I give you good news of great joy which will be for all the people:

^{11 Ref} For on this day, in the town of David, a Saviour has come to birth, who is Christ the Lord.

^{12 Ref} And this is the sign to you: you will see a young child folded in linen, in the place where the cattle have their food.

^{13 Ref} And suddenly there was with the angel a great band of spirits from heaven, giving praise to God, and saying,

^{14 Ref} Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased.