The Nativity of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, offers a vivid and glorious record of earth's most important birth. These accounts detail a divine impregnation, potential scandal, angelic announcements, visions, dreams, magi with regal gifts, a murderous king, and a mysterious guiding star. The angel, likely Gabriel, visited Mary and Joseph separately to proclaim the human advent of Immanuel, God with us. They were told that this divine Being would be born of Mary, with Joseph, as her betrothed, taking on the role of the Child's human father. They were instructed to name Him Jesus, akin to the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning savior. Both Mary and Joseph accepted this immense responsibility with humility and without complaint. Luke's narrative continues with Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for a tax registration decreed by Caesar Augustus, likely around the fall harvest, near the end of September or early October in 4 BC. This timing, coinciding with the fall holy days and the Roman registration, resulted in no room at the inn due to the overflow of travelers. Consequently, they found shelter in a grotto or cave, possibly used for animals, where Jesus' first crib was a feeding trough. The swaddling cloths mentioned were customary strips of cloth used to wrap a child, not an indication of poverty. Luke further describes the announcement of the Messiah's birth to nearby shepherds. An angel of the Lord appeared suddenly with shocking majesty, declaring good tidings of great joy. The angel informed them of a Savior born in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord, linking His birth to Old Testament prophecies. A multitude of the heavenly host then joined, praising God with the hymn, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." This sudden appearance of God's vast army emphasized the significance of the event, celebrating a major step in God's purpose.