All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.

     He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.

     And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

     In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

     Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

     But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

Editor's Note: St. Luke was a physician, author and missionary who accompanied St. Paul during part of his ministry. His two best-known books are the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Church tradition states that St. Luke died at age 84, while living in Greece.