Misconceptions of Christmas

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus,

decreed that a census should be taken

throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the

first census taken when Quirinius was governor

of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral

towns to register for this census. 4 And because

Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had

to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient

home. He traveled there from the village of

Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to

whom he was engaged, who was now expecting

a child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for

her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her

firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips

of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there

was no lodging available for them.