In the beginning , before the stars shone bright and angels sang their songs of joy , the story of Jesus' birth was set in motion . The journey starts in Nazareth , where a young woman named Mary lived . She was betrothed to Joseph , a carpenter , and together they lived simple lives . But one day the extraordinary happened .
The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary , declaring that she was favored by God . He brought a message that would change the world forever . She would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and he would be called Jesus , the Son of God . Though startled , Mary's faith shone through . As she said Let it be to me , according to your word .
Meanwhile , Joseph , upon learning of Mary's pregnancy , wrestled with doubt and confusion . But in a dream , an angel appeared to him , assuring him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and urging him to take Mary as his wife . Joseph obeyed , stepping into his role as protector and earthly father of this divine child .
At this time , a decree went out from Caesar Augustus: a census was to be taken of the entire Roman world . Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem , the city of David , because Joseph was of David's lineage . The journey was long and arduous . Mary , heavy with child , rode on a donkey , while Joseph walked beside her .
When they arrived in Bethlehem , the town was crowded and every inn was full . Desperate for shelter , they found refuge in a stable , a humble setting for the king of kings , and there , under the cover of night , the Savior was born . Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger , a feeding trough for animals .
Far away in the fields , shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks . Suddenly , the night sky lit up with the glory of an angel who proclaimed Do not be afraid , I bring you good news of great joy for all people . Today , in the town of David , a Savior has been born to you . He is the Messiah , the Lord .
The shepherds , overwhelmed with wonder , hurried to Bethlehem . There they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger . Just as the angel had said , they glorified and praised God , spreading the news of what they had seen and heard .
In the East , wise men , or magi , observed a brilliant star rising in the sky , a sign that the King of the Jews had been born . They traveled a great distance following the star until it stopped over the place where Jesus was .
They entered the house , saw the child and his mother , Mary , and bowed down to worship him , opening their treasures , they presented him with gifts fit for a king gold , frankincense and myrrh . But danger loomed . King Herod , threatened by the news of this newborn King , sought to destroy him .
Warned in a dream , the wise men avoided Herod on their return journey . Joseph too was warned by an angel in a dream and fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to protect the child from Herod's wrath . And so the story of Jesus' birth unfolded , filled with humility , wonder and divine providence .
From a stable in Bethlehem to the distant lands of the Magi , the light of the Savior began to shine , a light that would bring hope to all the world .