1 About that time, Augustus the Roman ruler made a law. All the people in the world must have their names written down in a book.
2 This was the first time names were written in a book in this way. Quirinius was the ruler of Syria at that time.
3 Everyone went to his home town to have his name written in the book.
4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. This was Davids town, and Joseph came from Davids family line.
5 He went to have his name written in the book. Joseph took Mary with him. She was promised to Joseph to be his wife. She was going to have a baby.