A Journey Required by Rome
Joseph went to Bethlehem to be registered, taking Mary with him. See Luke 2:1–5.
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The Savior Is Born
Jesus Christ and the Gospels • Exhibit 1 of 8
The Gospel story begins with humility rather than earthly splendor. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem because of the census, and there Jesus was born and laid in a manger. That same night, heaven announced His birth to shepherds nearby, declaring good news of great joy for all people.
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Luke places the birth of Jesus within real history. A decree went out from Caesar Augustus, and Joseph traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea because he belonged to the house and lineage of David.
Joseph went to Bethlehem to be registered, taking Mary with him. See Luke 2:1–5.
Bethlehem was associated with David, and Micah had spoken of a ruler coming from Bethlehem. See Micah 5:2.
When the time came for Mary to give birth, there was no room available for them. See Luke 2:7.
Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger. See Luke 2:7.
Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. See Luke 2:1–5.
They arrive in Bethlehem, but no suitable guest place is available. See Luke 2:7.
Mary gives birth to Jesus, wraps Him and lays Him in a manger. See Luke 2:7.
An angel announces the birth to shepherds, and a multitude of the heavenly host praises God. See Luke 2:8–14.
The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph and the Child. See Luke 2:15–16.
The shepherds return glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. See Luke 2:17–20.
The angel told the shepherds not to be afraid because the announcement was good news of great joy for all people. See Luke 2:10.
The child born in Bethlehem was identified as Savior, Christ and Lord. See Luke 2:11.
The shepherds were given a specific sign: a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. See Luke 2:12.
A multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel and praised God. See Luke 2:13–14.
The Savior and King entered the world without earthly display, yet heaven understood exactly who had arrived. The shepherds became among the first witnesses, and after seeing Him they spread the message and returned praising God.