Under the joint oppression of the Roman Empire and King Herod the Great, the Jewish people of Judea yearn for a Messiah. A young girl called Mary is betrothed to Joseph, but her divine pregnancy strains their relationship, until the truth is revealed to Joseph by an angelic visitation. Forced by the calling of a Roman census, the couple make a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, Jewish rebels are arrested and meet the full extent of King Herod's wrath. In Bethlehem, a heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph find shelter with a relative.