Angels behold the weary travelers, Joseph and Mary, making their way to the city of David to be taxed, according to the decree of Caesar Augustus. Here, in the providence of God, Joseph and Mary had been brought; for this was the place prophecy had predicted that Christ should be born. They seek a place of rest at the inn, but are turned away because there is no room. The wealthy and honorable have been welcomed, and find refreshment and room, while these weary travelers are compelled to seek refuge in a coarse building which shelters the dumb beasts. {2SP 17.1}

Engle så de trætte rejsende, Josef og Maria, på vej til Davids by og blive indskrevet, efter Kejser Augustus befaling. Her kom Josef og Maria til under Guds forsyn; for dette var det sted profetien havde skrevet forud at Kristus skulle blive født. De søgte efter at sted at hvile i herberget, men vendte bort fordi der ikke var plads. De rige og ærværdige var blevet budt velkommen, og fandt opfriskning og plads, medens de trætte rejsende var tvunget til at søge tilflugt i en stald bygget som ly for umælende dyr.