It came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar
Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. And all went to enroll
themselves, every one in his own city. And Joseph also went from
Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David which is called
Bethlehem, to enroll himself with Mary, his betrothed wife. While they
were there, the time was fulfilled, and Mary brought forth a son,
wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, for there
was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds in the same country, abiding in the field, and
keeping watch by night over their flock. And lo, an angel of the Lord
stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and
they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them: Be not afraid; for
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy: For there is born to you
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this
is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
and 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 among men in whom He is well pleased.
And the shepherds came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the
Babe lying in the manger. And they made known concerning the saying
which was spoken to them about this Child. And all that heard it
wondered; but Mary kept these words in her heart. When eight days were
fulfilled for circumcising the Child, His name was called Jesus
according to the word of the angel.
Forty days after the birth of Jesus, His parents brought Him to
Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. And there was in Jerusalem a pious
man whose name was Simeon. He had been promised by the Holy Spirit that
he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he
came that day in the Spirit into the temple. And when he saw the Child,
he took It up in his arms and said: Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast
prepared before the face of all peoples. (Luke 2:1-31.)