Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth. She wrapped Jesus in cloths and placed him in a manger.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was around them. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem and see what happened.

The shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they saw him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.