The Nativity
Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, sent out a decree (law) that everyone in his empire had to be taxed. Each man was to pay taxes in the city of his ancestors, so Joseph and Mary had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a difficult trip for Mary because her baby was about to be born.
When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the city was crowded with people who had come to pay taxes. There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inns, but they were finally allowed to stay in a stable where Mary "brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger".
That night there were also shepherds in the field watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:
"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 ... ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger".
Suddenly there appeared a multitude of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".
When the angels had gone, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us". Hurrying to Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger.
Watch the Bible video The Nativity.
What is another name for Bethlehem, and why did Joseph and Mary need to go there to pay taxes? (Luke 2:4)
Suzanne, what a fabulous idea! I wish I would have found this sooner this year. We can still use it for a few days, and then again next year!
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