Joseph helped Mary up on a donkey and they walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem, about 65 miles. Mary's baby would be born any day. But the ruler of the land had ordered that every man must return to his hometown, to pay taxes and be counted in a census.

When they reached the little town, it was overflowing with people. No matter how hard Joseph looked, he could not find a room for Mary to rest. At last they came upon a stable. Joseph made a bed of clean straw for Mary. Mary and Joseph gave thanks that God had led them to this safe and quiet place, and that night, Jesus was born.