Augustus called for a census and everyone traveled to their ancestorial hometown. Because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. Apparently, this only applied to the men. No one seemed to care that Mary was from Nazareth!
While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, (made of stone, not wood!) because there was no lodging available for them. (The innkeeper put them there for privacy)
Luke lists people who recognized that this child as the Son of God.
Shepherds, (Luke 2:8-12) You will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (Note-perfect lambs meant for slaughter at the temple were wrapped this way!)
Confessing angels praised God saying “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
(Luke 2:13-14, NLT)
Eight days later, Jesus was presented at the temple and 40 days after a child’s birth, there must be a purification of the mother. (Luke 2:23, Leviticus 12:1-5) and the little family traveled to Jerusalem for that ceremony.
There, his deity is recognized by Simeon, (Luke 2:25-35) and Anna (Luke 2:36-38) Both of them prophesied over the child.
At some point after the family had moved to a house, the Wisemen visited, (Matthew 2:11) bringing gifts, and then they left, rejoicing at what they had seen.
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