to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death;

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.

This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.

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;