[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [2] (And this taxing first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) [3] And all went to be taxed, every one into city. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he of the house and lineage of David:) [5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused great with child. [6] And so it was, that, while they there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because no room for them in the inn. [8] And in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.