2:1. And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
2:2. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.
2:3. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.
2:4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.
Her firstborn… The meaning is, not that she had afterward any other child; but it is a way of speech among the Hebrews, to call them also the firstborn, who are the only children. See annotation Matt. 1. 25.
2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock.
2:9. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.