The Christmas Gospel to read aloud

But it happened in those days that Emperor Augustus issued the order that the entire world be entered into tax lists. This recording was the first; At that time Quirinius was governor of Syria. Then everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; for he was of the house and family of David.

He wanted to register with Maria, his fiancée, who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to her son, the firstborn. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. In this area shepherds camped in the open field and kept watch over their flock at night. Then an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid.

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will come to all the people: this day a Savior has been born to you in the city of David; he is the Christ, the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a great host from heaven praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

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