In those days the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, ruled most of the countries of the world. He also ruled over the Jews. Wishing to know how many people were subject to him, the emperor gave orders that everybody should go to his own town to have his name registered and counted.
Mary and Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. But since they were of the family of King David, they had to be registered in Bethlehem of Judea. the City of David.
It was December and very cold. Bethlehem was far away from Nazareth. But Mary and Joseph set out to be counted there. They were obedient to the order of the Emperor, for they knew that it was God's will.
After traveling many miles, Mary and Joseph arrived at Bethlehem at night. They were very tired, and needed rest. And so they began at once to look for a place where they could stay that night. But Bethlehem they could stay that night. But Bethlehem was full of people, many others having arrived to be counted.
Joseph asked at the inn. But the owner turned them away. There was no room for them there.
At last Mary and Joseph came to a cave. In bad weather this cave was used as shelter for sheep and cattle. Mary and Joseph took refuge in the cave.
That night Jesus was born. His Mother wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes and laid Him on the straw in a manger. Then she and Joseph adored the Infant Child. This was the very first Christmas.
In this way the Son of God was made man. He came down to earth and was born of the Virgin Mary. When He came, no one received Hint except Mary and Joseph. He was born among lowly animals, and put in a manger.
For love of us, Jesus. true God. wanted to be born in a humble place. In this way He shows us how He loves humility.
Christmas, one of the most beautiful feast of the year, is celebrated in memory of the Birth of Our Lord. of the Birth of Our Lord.
- from My Bible History in Pictures, by Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow, D.D., 1934; it has the Imprimatur of Archbishop Michael J O'Doherty of Manila, Philippines