The First Christmas
About 2,000 years ago Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel. She was told she would have a son, Jesus, who was the Son of God. Mary and her fiancé traveled to the town of Bethlehem. There was no room in the inn because of the census. The only place available was the stable next to the inn. As prophesied, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. At that moment a bright star appeared in the sky. In the field outside of Bethlehem shepherds were looking after their sheep. An Angel appeared to them and said “Don’t be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Savior has been born for you. You will find the baby lying in a manger.” Many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The Shepherds heard the angels praising God singing “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth.” When the angels had gone the shepherds looked at each other and said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem to see what has happened.” So, the Shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. When they saw the baby they told everyone about him. When returning to their sheep they thanked God for sending a Savior.
The bright star that appeared when Jesus was born, was noticed by many. Three men we know as the wise men saw it and knew what it meant. The three wise men followed the star towards the country of Judea. King Herod sent for them. When he met the wise men, he told them that when they found Jesus they should return and tell him where he is so he could go worship him. His real intentions were to kill Jesus though, because many people called him the king. The wise men entered the house, which Mary and Joseph now lived in, and found Jesus. The wise men gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In a dream, the wise men were warned not to tell Herod of Jesus’ location. When Herod died, Joseph was given a vision. He was to go to Nazareth, where Jesus would grow up and fulfill the prophecy. Jesus would grow up and be crucified on the cross. Because of His ultimate sacrifice we could be saved from our sins.