The text for A Primitive Nativity (Luke 2 -14) was taken by the composer from an Interlinear New Testament Bible.

​It came to pass in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus for all the inhabited earth to be enrolled. This was when Cyrinius was governing Syria, and each one went up to his own city. So Joseph also went up from Galilee out of a city called Nazareth to Judea to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, being pregnant. And it came to pass while they were there the days were fulfilled for her to bear, and she bore her son, the first-born, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And there were shepherds in the same country, living in the field and keeping guard over their flock. And an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared a great fear. And the angel said to them: "Fear not, for behold I announce to you a great joy which will be to all people, because today was born to you a savior, who is called Messiah, the Lord, in a city of David. And this to you a sign: you will find a baby swathed and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was will the angel a multitude of a heavenly army praising God and say: "Glory to God in highest places, and peace on earth among men of goodwill."  
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