Luke 2:1
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
The verse describes an enrollment for taxation and registration. The decree extended throughout the Roman dominion, reaching even the inhabitants of the hills of Galilee. It caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, the city of David, to be registered, and Jesus was born there. Joseph and Mary made that journey from Nazareth. Joseph belonged to David's family as a descendant of David.
Mary was of David's lineage, and the Son of David was to be born in David's city. In God's providence Augustus served as an agent of the divine purpose, bringing them to the appointed place. This fulfilled prophecy concerning Christ's birthplace, that he would be born in Bethlehem where the prophet had said Israel's ruler would come forth.
The journey was difficult. With the inns full and no room at the inn they found shelter in a building used for cattle, a stable where animals were kept. The Son of God came in humility with divine glory veiled in human weakness, born in humble circumstances in a stable and laid in a manger.
Angels announced his coming, while many in Israel, including the learned and powerful, did not recognize the event foretold by prophecy that the Messiah's coming was near. The verse belongs to the account of Jesus' birth but does not reveal the day he was born. December 25 is only supposed, God having not revealed the date, and the supposed date has been made an object of worship.