And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Wall to wall people. The city crowded with both man and beast. No room available for weary travelers until…

A stable, a stall, and a manger. Nestled away from the crowd and endless noise, Heaven and Earth met. Perfect love was born. Immanuel—God with us.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

History:

The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr and the melody by Franz Xaver Gruber. The song made its debut on Christmas Eve 1818.