Luke 2

The Lenz and Carpenter Families

Present

Luke 2

In those days, Ceasar Augustus issued a decree that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was made when Cyrenious was governor of Syria) and all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Gallilee, out of the ciyt of Nasereth into Judea, into the city of David which is called Bethlahem (because he was of the house and lineage of David; To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great 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 first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, becuase there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country, shepherds, abiding in the feilds, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lrod shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.  But the angel said unto them "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news 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 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, peace, 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 thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known unto us. 

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child, and all they 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.