According to Roman Emperor Augustus’ decree, in order to facilitate the census, every inhabitant of the empire had to come “to their city”. Since Joseph was David’s descendant and Mary was betrothed to Joseph, they went to Bethlehem. After Jesus’ birth, the shepherds, informed of this event by the appearance of an angel, were the first people to worship him. According to the evangelist Matthew, a wonderful star, or the Christmas Star, was revealed in heaven, which led the wise men to the infant Jesus. They presented gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh; not to Jesus as a baby, but as a King.
