Large Print Christmas Story (Luke 2): Free PDF
This is the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 to 20, in large print. It is the King James Version of 1611. Choose 18, 24 or 28 point, on US Letter, A4 or 11 x 17 paper, and print it for Christmas Eve or any reading.
| Passage | Luke 2:1-20 |
|---|---|
| Translation | King James Version, 1611 |
| Type size | 18, 24 or 28 pt |
| Paper | US Letter, A4 or 11 x 17 in, white or cream |
The Christmas story from Luke 2 in large print: text and download
The text above is set the way this site sets every text: left aligned, one column, plain type with no italics, and a blank line between stanzas. It is one of the short readings on the large print prayers and hymns page, and it is meant to be printed together with the carols people sing at the same service, which are gathered under large print Christmas carols.
Where does the Christmas story in Luke 2 come from?
The birth of Jesus is told in two of the four gospels, Matthew and Luke. According to Wikipedia, Luke's account is the one that includes the census, the birth in a manger and the shepherds, while Matthew's includes the wise men and the star. This passage is Luke's: it begins with a census in the days of Augustus and ends with the shepherds returning.
Many carols are built on the scene in this reading. The quiet of the night is the subject of Silent Night, the shepherds appear in The First Noel, and Bethlehem is the town of O Little Town of Bethlehem. Reading the passage before singing them gives a group the story the songs refer to.
Which Bible translation is this?
The King James Version was commissioned in 1604 and published in 1611, according to Wikipedia. It has stayed in continuous use for more than four centuries, and its wording is the one many older readers learned by heart. It is also in the public domain in most of the world. In the United Kingdom, Wikipedia says, the right to print it is a royal prerogative under letters patent, so readers there should buy or license copies from an authorized printer rather than assume it is free to copy. In the United States you may print it freely.
Modern translations word the story differently. If your group reads from another translation, check that the sheet matches the one you use before you hand it out.
How do you use a large print Christmas story in a care home or at home?
Choose one reader and give everyone else a sheet, so that people can follow along and join in where they know the passage. A reader with failing sight can still take a turn if the type is large enough, and a shared reading is often more welcome than a performance. On Christmas Eve at home, a family can pass the sheet around the table, one reader for each few verses.
In a care home, pair the reading with two or three carols. Read the passage, then sing, and let the carols carry the mood. The large print Psalm 23 and the large print Bible verses are useful additions for a quiet hour before a service.
How do you print Luke 2 for reading aloud?
Print at 24 point for a group that will share the sheet and at 28 point for a reader with more advanced sight loss. Eighteen point is the smallest size we offer, because the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) says print below 18 point is not large print, and our page on what large print is explains the reasons. Print single-sided on matte paper, and choose cream if white paper glares in candle or lamp light.
For a service, print one sheet for the reader and one for each seat, with a few spares. Keep the sheets in sleeves if they will be handled by many hands, and slip a large print copy into the folder with the ordinary order of service so nobody has to ask for it.
The Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-20)
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 Judaea,
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 firstborn 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 multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
And it came to pass,
as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another,
Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste,
and found Mary,
and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it,
they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things,
and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen,
as it was told unto them.
Words: King James Version (1611), Luke 2:1-20. Public domain in the United States: scripture translation published 1611 (public domain in the US).