The emperor ordered that everyone be counted, including Joseph and Mary. They went to Bethlehem to be counted where Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. An angel appeared to some nearby shepherds and brought good news: the birth of a savior! God's sign for the shepherds was the baby in a manger. The angels in heaven sang praises to God! The shepherds decided to go see with their own eyes and when they arrived, they shared the angels' message to everyone who was there. The people were amazed and Mary kept these words in mind. The shepherds praised God.