We are proud to reprint articles from several papers from a much earlier time. Most of these articles are from the area around Palestine and date from the time of the first Christmas. They relate to events we are familiar with and will help us understand these events as viewed by those who were closest to them.

Financial conditions worsen throughout the Roman Empire. Advisors to Caesar have urged His Eminence to levy new taxes. Those closest to the Emperor expect him to order worldwide taxation within a week. Like other taxations, all people will be required to travel to their ancestral homes to pay the tax and be entered on the census rolls.

This article appeared in a small paper in the year 1 AD in a desert kingdom in the Middle East... "Palace watchers have reported that the King has left on a long journey to the west amid a pale of silence about the purpose of his journey. Long known for his wisdom and goodness, the King has said only that it had been made known to him in a dream that he should undertake this journey, that he would be joined by two other Kings, and they would find their way marked by the new star that had just appeared in the sky. Rather than travel with his soldiers, the King set out alone in the late evening, with only his personal provisions and a box containing a small amount of precious frankincense. It is not known when he will return."

Astronomers from all kingdoms have come together to discuss the appearance of a new and radiant star in the night sky. Never has there been as marvelous an event as has recently occurred in the sudden emergence of this star, so bright and so seemingly close to the earth. No explanation has been given for the emergence of the star. Unlike all other stars, this star does not move across the sky but seems suspended in one place.

As extraordinary as the appearance of this star has been the calm and peaceful awe it has inspired in all people. Rather than inspiring fear, it has had just the opposite effect, with peace and good will being manifest throughout the land starting on the very day of its appearance.

A decree from Caesar Augustus calls for all to go to their own city to be taxed. In this latest attempt by our Roman overlords to exact taxes, and to record a census, all Judaeans must participate, regardless of hardships it may cause. On interviewing one family traveling to Bethlehem of Judaea, we were told they had to make the journey even though the young wife was heavy with child. The father, a carpenter, said he hoped they would be able to find good accommodations in Bethlehem.

Herod the Great, ruler of the Roman Province of Judaea, has begun another round of oppression to ensure his position of power. He has killed members of his own family suspected of planning his overthrow, though no evidence was ever produced. All travelers through Jerusalem are being interviewed by his agents to discover the nature and purpose of their journeys. It was learned that some recent news from three Kings from the east has caused Herod much concern, and increased activity has been seen in the royal barracks. People aware of Herod's nature hope to not be affected by these events.

Nephite cities report that prophecies of Samuel, the Lamanite teacher, have been fulfilled. Samuel predicted five years earlier that signs would be seen indicating the birth of the Savior in Jerusalem this very night. Every Nephite city has reported seeing marvelous signs, including three days of uninterrupted daylight, as well as the appearance of a new star in the heavens. Executions planned for those who believed in these prophecies have been canceled. Those who were most vocal in calling for them have been silent. Many sought baptism unto repentance.

While Shepherds watched their flocks last night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around. "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind. "Glad tidings of great joy I bring, to you and all mankind. To you in David's town, this day, is born of David's line, the Savior who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign; The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swaddling bands, and in the manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and fortwith appeared a shining throng of angels, praising God who thus addressed their joyful song, "All glory be to God on high and on the earth be peace. Good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease."

Without a doubt, the world did not realize the importance of the birth of a small child in a lonely manger, in the poorest of conditions, in a small village, in an insignificant country. Only those who had a special reason to know of the birth of the Savior were guided to his birthplace. Those who kept the hope of his coming alive in their hearts felt the witness of this important event. One of these righteous men was Nephi, son of Nephi, son of Helaman, to whom the Savior himself revealed on the eve of his birth, "tomorrow come I into the world." The effect of this birth has been felt the world over. Kings and Princes, the good and the evil alike, are all subject to the law and the gospel he taught. From the humble beginnings of His birth in a stable has gone forth a power so great as to thwart the designs of the Evil One and to bring the promise and the reality of everlasting life to all mankind. To serve Him, to teach His gospel, to trust in His infinite love, to seek out and find those who would rejoice in His message is the work you are engaged in.