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 was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own 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 was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

²⁰ which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

²¹ far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.

²² He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly,

²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.