Mary and Joseph in the stable. Angels, shepherds, wise men and assorted animals standing by. A baby doll in the straw-filled manger. The nativity play is a fun event in the Christmas calendar for children and adults alike.

But was was it really like when Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem, and what could it mean for you? Can we know any facts about the birth of Jesus in the Bible?

This booklet takes each element of the nativity story – the people, the place and even the date of the birth of Jesus – and explores what we know about them based on historical sources.