The king of the Romans made a law. He said everyone must pay taxes. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth. They had to go to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. Bethlehem was 65 miles from Nazareth.

Luke 2:1–5

It was not easy for Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Her baby would soon be born.

Luke 2:4–5

At last Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem. Many people were there to pay their taxes. All the rooms were filled with people. Mary and Joseph needed a room. But there were no rooms left.

Luke 2:6–7

Mary needed a place to have her baby. So Joseph and Mary went to a stable. A stable is a place for animals. Joseph and Mary stayed in the stable. Mary had her baby there. She put warm blankets on the baby. She laid him in a manger. Joseph and Mary named the baby Jesus.

Luke 2:7, 21

There were shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking care of their sheep. That night an angel came to the shepherds. The shepherds were afraid.

Luke 2:8–9

The angel told them not to be afraid. He came to tell them some wonderful news. The Savior was born in Bethlehem. They would find him in a manger. His name was Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:10–12

The shepherds went to Bethlehem. They saw the baby Jesus in a manger. Joseph and Mary were with him.

Luke 2:15–16

The shepherds left the stable. They were happy they had seen the Savior. They told other people what they had seen.

Luke 2:17, 20