Here beginneth the 14th verse of the 7th chapter

of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and

shall call his name Emmanuel.

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know

to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

And,

Here beginneth the 6th verse of the 9th chapter

of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:

For unto you a child is born, unto us a son is

given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called Wonderful,

Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and

upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with

judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

And,

Here beginneth the 2nd verse of the 5th chapter

of the Book of the Prophet Micah:

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be

little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee

shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in

Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old,

from everlasting.

And,

Here beginneth the 18th verse of the 1st chapter

of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.

Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:

When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph,

before they came together, she was found with child of

the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not

willing to make her a publick example, was minded to

put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold the

angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto

thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her

is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call

his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from

their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall

bring forth a son, and they shall call his name

Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the

angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him

his wife:

And knew her not till she had brought forth

her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

And,

Here beginneth the 2nd chapter of the Gospel

according to St. Luke.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went

out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world

should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was

governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own

city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the

city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the

house and lineage of David).

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being

great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days

were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her first-born son, and

wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a

manger; because there was no room for them in the

inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds

abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by

night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them;

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for,

behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which

shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day, in the city of David,

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the

babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a

manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multi -

tude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

good will toward men.