In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there, the time came to for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

As the result of a decree from Caesar, Joseph and Mary leave their town of Nazareth. They make a long and arduous journey to go to Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” This fulfills the prophecy from Micah that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.

In Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus. She goes through the pang of labor pains. The Son of God had to go through the process of birth and all that that entails. Joseph had to struggle with being unable to provide a room for his family.

The birth of our Savior is a beautiful event, as well as one of great sacrifice. Imagine yourself at the scene of the Nativity. Express your gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.