Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders.

There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal.

In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within.

They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.

While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth.

She gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.