The Christmas Story

As written in the Bible

The Gospel According to Luke 2:1 - 2:20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out
a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one
into his own city. And 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), to be taxed with
Mary his espoused wife, being with child. And
so it was, that, while they were there, the
days were accomplished that she should be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn
son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding
in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord come upon them, and the glory
of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore
afraid. And the angel said unto them, ''Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.''

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
''Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth , good will toward men.''
And it came to pass, as 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 king which is to come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.''
And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen
it, they made known abroad the saying which was told
them concerning this child. And all that heard it
wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered
them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things that they had heard
and seen, as it was told unto them.