Narrator 1: In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world. This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All the people went to their hometowns to register. And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to David’s town of Bethlehem—because he was of the house and lineage of David—to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was with child.
Narrator 2: While they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. There was no room for them in the place where travelers lodged.
Narrator 3: Shepherds lived in the nearby fields and took turns keeping watch over their flock at night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, as the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid.
Angel: You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David’s city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord. Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Narrator 4: Suddenly, many angels began to praise God and sing with the angel.
Angels: Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom God’s favor rests.
Narrator 1: The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. They went out and told everyone about the child and about what the angels said.
Narrator 2: All who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary treasured these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned to their fields, praising God.
Shepherds: Thank you, God, for sending the Messiah to us. And for letting us poor shepherds be the ones to tell the good news to everyone.
Narrator 3: Thank you, God, for sending the Messiah to us. And for letting us poor shepherds be the ones to tell the good news to everyone. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child. He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2.1-21