Augustus Ceasar commanded the first census so that he would know about all his domains. All males had to go to their hometown to be counted. Joseph was a carpenter in Nazareth, but was born in Bethlehem, so he took Mary, his betrothed with him. When they arrived there was no room in the Inn, so they had to stay in a manger with the animals.
During the night, baby Jesus was born.
The shepherds were told of the birth by an angel above them who said "Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on Earth peace for those he favours." So the shepherds brought gifts for baby Jesus.
From the east came three wise men who had followed a star which rested above Bethlehem to show the way. When they found the newborn and his family they kneeled down and offered gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
(retold from Luke 2: 1-20 and the story of the magi is from Mathew)
. The Nativity scene in Cathedral Square was instigated by Cardinal Pell who has been concerned over the gradual removal of Christ as the central message of Christmas. Cardinal Pell says "I would invite all people of good will to come and spend some time reflecting on the central role of Jesus in Christmas, to take time out from Christmas parties, end of school activities and present buying to prepare their hearts for Christmas and the coming again of the Son of God as man."
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