Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7  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. The Gospel of Luke tells us the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, but were both ancestors of King David, so they had to go to Bethlehem to register for their taxes. Even though Mary was expecting to be delivered any day now, they had to go. So Joseph led a little donkey with his wife riding the 80 miles to Bethlehem. They probably camped along the way since the trip took a week or longer. When they arrived at Bethlehem, it was overcrowded. The little town couldn’t handle all of King David’s descendants. The only place left was a stable behind one of the inns. At least it was warm and dry. Jesus, the Messiah was born in a stable!