The Birth of Jesus

One day God sent an angel named Gabriel to a young woman named Mary. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said with a smile. “God is going to give you a very special baby, and you will call him Jesus.” Mary was surprised, but she said, “Yes! I will do what God asks.”

When it was almost time for the baby to be born, Mary and Joseph had to travel a long way to a town called Bethlehem. The road was bumpy and far, but they went together, step by step, all the way there.

When they finally arrived, Bethlehem was very full. Every room was already taken, and there was no place for them to stay. At last someone let them rest where the animals were kept, warm and quiet in the hay.

That night, in that small and humble place, baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him snugly in soft cloths and laid him gently in a manger — a little box where the animals ate. God’s own Son came as a tiny baby.

Out in the fields nearby, shepherds were watching their sheep in the dark. Suddenly the sky filled with light, and an angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy! Today a Savior has been born!” Then a whole sky full of angels sang praises to God.

The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, just as the angel said. They were so happy! They worshiped the little baby and told everyone the wonderful news: God had come near.