Bethlehem is the territory of the tribe of Judah. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to that tribe; so when a census decree ordered them to register in their native city, they came to Bethlehem while Mary was with child. There was no place in any of the local hotels, so they settled in a stable. When the time came for Mary to give birth, Jesus Christ — Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the Saviour of the world — was born in a manger in that stable. Since 6 AD, the Church of Nativity has stood on that spot. It is the oldest Christian construction in the world and is considered the second holiest place in all of Christendom.
Biblical Reference: Luke 2:1–21