The First Christmas

On a quiet night long ago, baby Jesus was born, and even the shepherds came to see God’s greatest gift of love.

A ruler named Caesar Augustus had said that everyone must go to their family’s hometown to be counted. So Mary and Joseph traveled a long, long way from their home in Nazareth to the little town of Bethlehem, the town of King David, whose family Joseph came from. Mary was going to have her baby very soon. When they finally arrived, tired and dusty, the town was crowded with people. They looked and looked, but there was no guest room where they could stay.

At last, it was time for Mary’s baby to be born. The night was hushed and still all around them. And there, in that humble place, baby Jesus was born.

Mary looked at her tiny baby, and her heart was full of love. She wrapped him up warm and snug in soft cloths so he would not be cold. Then she laid him gently down to sleep in the little feeding box called a manger. He looked so small and so peaceful.

Out on the dark hills close by, shepherds sat watching their sheep in the quiet night. The stars twinkled high above them. All at once the sky filled with light, and a shining angel appeared! The shepherds were so surprised they could hardly breathe.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said kindly. “I bring you good news of great joy! Today, in King David’s town, a Savior is born for you — he is Christ the Lord! You will find him wrapped up warm, sleeping in a manger.” Then the whole sky filled with angels praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!”

As fast as they could, the shepherds hurried down to Bethlehem. They searched until they found Mary and Joseph and the baby, just as the angels had said. Their hearts were so happy they could hardly hold it all in. They told everyone the happy news, thanking God again and again for His wonderful gift of love.

Thank You, God, for sending baby Jesus to show us Your love. Help me share that love with everyone I meet.