[1:77]to give a knowledge of salvation to his people, with a
forgiveness of sins, [1:78]on account of the compassionate mercies of
our God, by which a morning from on high has visited us, [1:79]to
illuminate those sitting in darkness and the shade of death, to direct
our feet in the way of peace. [1:80]And the child grew, and became
strong in spirit, and was in the wilderness till the day of his
manifestation to Israel.

CHAPTER III.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST, HIS INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD.

1 [2:1]In those days there went out an ordinance from Caesar Augustus
that a census should be taken of all the world. [2:2]This first census
was taken when Cyrenius was proconsul of Syria. [2:3]And all went to be
enrolled, each one to his own city. [2:4]And Joseph went up from
Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of
David, [2:5]to be enrolled with Mary his espoused [wife,] who was with
child. [2:6]And while they were there the days for her delivery were
completed; [2:7]and she bore her first-born son, and wrapped him in
bandages, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them
in the khan.

2 [2:8]And there were shepherds in that country staying in the fields
and watching their flock by night. [2:9]And behold, an angel of the
Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were greatly afraid. [2:10]And the angel said to them, Fear not;
for, behold, I bring you good news of a great joy, which shall be for
all people. [2:11]For to you was born to-day in the city of David, a
Saviour who is the anointed Lord. [2:12]And this shall be a sign to
you. You shall find the babe wrapped in bandages, lying in a manger.
[2:13]And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host, praising God, and saying, [2:14]Glory to God in the highest
[heavens], on earth peace, and among men good will!

3 [2:15]And when the angels had departed from them to heaven, the
shepherds said one to another, Let us go now to Bethlehem, and see this
thing which has occurred, which the Lord has made known to us.
[2:16]And they came in haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe
lying in the manger. [2:17]And when they saw it they related the word
spoken to them concerning this child; [2:18] and all who heard wondered
at the things told them by the shepherds. [2:19]But Mary kept all
these words, revolving them in