For twenty centuries, people have been telling the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
People of all faiths can identify with the young mother-to-be, Mary, traveling by donkey with her husband Joseph, all the way from the village of Nazareth in Galilee to a distant town – a journey of many long days and nights. Why make such a trek? The young couple was required by the Roman tax collectors to register in the City of Bethlehem.
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed…
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 Judea, 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.
Luke2:1-7(KJV)
