Christmas

My translation of my favorite Christmas reading:

2:1       It happened in those days: A decree exited from Kaisar Augoustos for all the inhabited world to be registered. 2 This was the first registration during Kurēnios’ governing of Suria. 3 All journeyed to be registered, each to his own city. 4 Yōsēf also ascended from the Galilaia from the city of Nazara to Youdaia to Dauid’s city, which is called Bēth-le’em, because he is from Dauid’s house and paternity 5 to register with Mariam, who was engaged to him, being pregnant.  6 It happened while they were there: the days were filled for her to birth, 7 and she birthed her son, the firstborn, and she swaddled him and reclined him in a feeding trough because there was no place in the guest room.

8 Shepherds were in that region, living outdoors and staying on guard at night over their flock 9 and the Lord’s envoy superintended them and Lord’s splendor shone around them, and they were awed with great awe. 10 The envoy said to them, “Don’t be scared, for look! I gospel to you great joy that will be for all the people 11 because today a Deliverer, who is Lord Christos, has been birthed for you in Dauid’s city. 12 This will be the authenticating sign for you: you will find an infant swaddled and lying in a feeding trough. 13 Unexpectedly, it happened with the envoy: a mass, a heavenly army, praising God and saying,

14        Splendor in the highest places to God,

            And on the land, peace among God-pleased humans.

15 It happened as the envoys departed from them into the heaven: the shepherds were speaking to one another, “Let us then cross through to Bēth-le’em that we may see this utterance that has been done that the Lord made known to us.” 16 They went, hurrying, and discovered both Mariam and Yōsēf and the infant lying in the feeding trough. 17 Seeing, they made known [to the family] about the utterance that was spoken to them about this child. 18 All those who heard were stunned about what was spoken by the shepherds to them. 19 Mariam maintained all these matters, engaging [them] in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, splendoring and praising God for all that they heard and saw – just as it was spoken to them.