They lived in Nazareth, which was in the northern part of Israel. Yet the Scripture said that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is near Jerusalem. At that time, the empire of Rome sent out an order requiring everyone to register in the city of their ancestry. Therefore, Joseph and his wife had to go to Bethlehem.

Soon after they got there, it came time for Mary to deliver her child. As soon as the baby was born, she wrapped him in strips of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough because there was no room in the sleeping area. Messiah was born.

That same night, shepherds were watching their flock in a nearby field. Suddenly an angel stood with them, and the area was flooded with the glory of the Lord. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to bring you great news!”

He then pointed toward the nearby town. “Tonight, the Savior was born in Bethlehem. He is Messiah. Go there, and look for a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly the whole area was filled with angels who were praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and goodwill to the earth.” Then, they disappeared.

The shepherds immediately did as they were told. They went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, just as the angel had said. They told them what happened that night, and everyone was amazed. Afterwards, they went back to the field, praising God for what they had seen.

Forty-one days later, it was time for Joseph and Mary to take Jesus to the temple, and offer sacrifice to the Lord. So the three of them went to Jerusalem.

There was a man at the temple named Simeon. God had told him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Promised One. The Spirit of God had prompted him to go to the temple that day. He saw Joseph and Mary and asked if he could hold the baby. Looking into the face of Jesus, he said, “Oh, praise be to God!” Looking toward heaven, he said, “Lord, you can now let me die. My eyes have seen your salvation.”

A woman named Anna walked up to them. She was 84 years old, and she had served God in the temple ever since her husband died after seven years of marriage. She asked to see the child. Afterwards, she said to everyone, “The Promised One has arrived! The Promised One has arrived!”

Joseph then took his little family back to their home in Bethlehem.