During the time following John’s birth these things took place. The emperor of Rome, Augustus, declared that all the inhabitants of the empire should be counted. This was the first census that occurred while Quirinius was ruling the province of Syria. Now all the inhabitants went forth to be counted, each one going to his own city. Joseph, departing the town of Nazareth in Galilee, went up to Judea to the town of Bethlehem, the city of David, because he was from the household and lineage of David, and he took with him Mary, who had been promised to him as a wife, who was now pregnant.
While they were there in Bethlehem her time came and she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him down in a feeding crib because there was no room in the place of lodging for them.
In the same region there were shepherds outside of town guarding their sheep during the night watch. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord illuminated them and they were tremendously scared. Then the angel said:
“Do not be scared! See! I am proclaiming to you a tremendous joy which will be joy for all people: A Savior has been born today in the city of David, the Lord’s anointed, the Messiah! This is how you will know, you will find a newborn wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding crib.”
Suddenly, a heavenly army appeared with the angel praising God while saying:
“Glory be to God in the highest places
Peace be to those whom God favors on earth.”
As the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds were talking among themselves:
“Let us go quickly as far as Bethlehem and let us see the word of the event that the Lord made known to us.”
Going with all haste they looked for it, even Mary and Joseph, but especially the newborn lying in the feeding crib. Upon seeing this they made known the message spoken to them concerning this infant. Everyone hearing these words was amazed at the reports by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these words, pondering them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for everything they heard and saw, because it was just like they had been told.
Stan Harstine Translation
Thanks Stan
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