Luke 2:1-14

1At that time, Caesar Augustus made a law. He told his men to count everyone who lived in the countries that he ruled.

2This was the first time that the Romans had made a list of everyone's names. Quirinius was the Roman ruler of Syria when it happened.

3Everyone went to his own home town for the Romans to count them.

4So Joseph went to his home town, Bethlehem. He was living in the town of Nazareth, in Galilee. Bethlehem was in Judea. King David had been born there, so Bethlehem was called the town of David. Joseph belonged to the family of David. That is why he went to Bethlehem.

5Joseph took Mary with him so that the Romans could count them. She went because she had promised to marry him. She was pregnant.

6While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her baby to be born.

7This was her first baby, and it was a boy. She put cloths around him. Then she put him in an animal's food box. She did this because the rooms for visitors were full of people.

8That night some shepherds were living out in the fields near Bethlehem. They were keeping their sheep safe.

9Then an angel of the Lord appeared to them. A bright light from God shone all around them. That frightened them very much.

10The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen! I bring you good news. This news will make everyone very happy.

11Something happened today in the town of David. Someone special was born. He is the one who will save you. He is the Messiah. He is the Lord.

12I will tell you how you will know this baby. You will find him with cloths around him. He is lying in an animal's food box.’

13At that moment, a great crowd of angels appeared. They were praising God. They said:

14‘God is great! He lives in the highest place above. He will bless the people on earth who please him. They will have peace in their minds.’