When Joseph learned that Mary was expecting a child, he was troubled because he knew he was not the father. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child she carries is from the Holy Spirit. You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Joseph obeyed God and took Mary as his wife.

At that time, the Roman government ordered a census, requiring everyone to register in their ancestral hometown. Since Joseph was a descendant of King David, he and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. Because there was no room for them in the guest quarters, she gave birth to her son and laid Him in a manger.

In that humble place, Jesus—the promised Messiah and Savior of the world—was born, fulfilling God’s promise that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.