The Story of the Birth of Jesus
(Images from wallcoo.net)
Long, long ago, about TWO THOUSAND years ago - (that's a BIG number)- there lived a young woman. Her name was Mary. She was a good lady who was kind and sweet. She was polite to all who met her and was always willing to help in any way she could. Above all, she loved God deeply.
As was the custom of the time, she was engaged to be married to a kind and good man named Joseph.
Joseph was a carpenter.
(A carpenter is one who makes furniture of wood.) Joseph and Mary lived in a place called Nazareth.
God used to notice the goodness of Mary and decided she should give birth to His Son Jesus. So he sent His faithful Angel Gabriel to meet her.
(Angels are Messengers of God- they do as God asks them to do. They are pure and holy Spirits living with God in Heaven - they are always singing God's praises in Heaven.)
So one day, while Mary was at home, she saw a bright light - and got afraid. The light was infact the Angel Gabriel.
He greeted her saying, "Hail Mary full of Grace"
Angel Gabriel told her not to be afraid and told her that God loved her very much and she would have a son - God's son and she would name Him Jesus. Jesus being God's Son would always be special and would save the world. Mary accepted God's wish for her life peacefully and happily.
She told Joseph the news but he already knew. An Angel had told Joseph all about Jesus in a dream.
Soon after that Joseph and Mary got married and they prepared for the Birth of Jesus.
When it was almost time for Jesus to be born -Joseph had to take Mary to his hometown of Bethlehem , so Joseph put Mary on a donkey and began their journey to Bethlehem.
When Joseph and Mary got there, they could not find any place for Mary to rest. All the inns were full.
Wherever Joseph went - the story was the same. They all told him there was no room in the inn.
Mary was very tired and really wanted to rest. Eventually, one kind inn keeper saw Mary and told Joseph that he had no room in his inn but could let Joseph use his Manger. This was where he kept his animals. They were welcome to stay there and rest.Mary and Joseph were both grateful and happy for getting a place to give birth to their baby.
And so, Mary gave birth to Jesus. The King of Kings was born to save the world - and for company he had animals and his dear parents. Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid him in a Manger.
At the same time in a hillside - an Angel appeared in the night sky to some shepherds who were watching their sheep.
The Shepherds got scared - but again the Angel told them not be scared as He brought them good news. He told them , " A Saviour is born". He told them that they would find him in Bethlehem. Soon a multitude of Angels appeared in the sky and started singing " Gloria, Gloria, In Excelsis Deo"
After this they were eager to meet the King of Kings and hurried to meet this Special Baby. When they saw him, they knelt and were filled with awe and amazement.
Some of Jesus' first visitors were the shepherds. They knelt down and worshiped Him. It was indeed a very special night.
Far, far away in the East were some very wise men. They used to read a lot of books and read the stars.
One day, they saw a Special Star shining in the sky. these men were very intelligent and used to study a lot so they knew this was special star. They began to follow the star.
This special Star led them to Bethlehem to the place of Jesus' Birth.
They too were amazed at what they saw in Bethlehem.They brought gifts for Jesus. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They all worshiped their new King.
This was the first Christmas ever in the world!!!
May the Christ Child be born in your lives anew this Blessed Season !!
God Bless you!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
