The First Day of Christmas

The Number ing at Bethlehem   Pieter Bruegel the Elder 

St. Joseph Seeks Lodging  James Tissot

Luke 2 1-6 

And it came to pass in those days 

that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 

that all the world should be registered. 

This census first took place 
while Quirinius was governing Syria. 

So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,

 into Judea, to the city of David, 
which is called Bethlehem, 

Nativity  Lorenzo Lotto

because he was of the house 
and lineage of David, 

to be registered with Mary, 
his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

So it was, that while they were there, 

the days were completed for her to be delivered. 

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, 

and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, 

and laid Him in a manger, 

because there was no room for them in the inn.