Joseph and Mary were on their way to Bethlehem, for the census. But when they got there the city was crowded and they had great trouble finding a place to stay. Finally settling in a stable, Mary gave birth to Jesus, and just as Jesus came to this Earth, God’s messengers proclaimed His glory and mission to the shepherds in a nearby field. At once they hurried to find the Messiah and gazed upon him. Eight days later God fulfilled His promise to Simeon, as Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present the baby Jesus to God.