Chapter 17: The Census

1Now an order went out from Augustus the king to register how many people were in Bethlehem of Judea.

2And Joseph said, “I will register my sons. But what should I do about this child? How will I register her? As my wife? I am ashamed. As my daughter? But the people of Israel know she is not my daughter. This is the day of the Lord; I will do whatever the Lord wants.”

3And he saddled the donkey, seated her on it, and had his son lead it, while Samuel followed.

4And as they neared the third mile, Joseph turned and saw that she was sad. And he said, “Likely the one inside her is troubling her.”

5And Joseph turned again and saw her laughing, and he said to her, “Mary, why are you like this? At one moment I see your face laughing, but then it is sad.”

6And she said to him, “It is because I see two people before my eyes. One is crying and mourning, and one is rejoicing and exulting.”

7And when they came to the middle of the journey, Mary said to him, “Joseph, take me down from the donkey, because the one inside me is pushing to come out.”

8And he took her down from the donkey and said to her, “Where can I take you and shelter you in your awkward condition? This place is a wilderness.”