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 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;

²¹ in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

²² in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.