The story of Jesus’ birth The Nativity The story of Jesus’ birth

There is a lot of meaning in the Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem but could find nowhere to stay, all the inns were full. The only shelter offered to them was a stable full of straw. When Jesus was born Mary used the animal feeding trough as a cradle.

Jesus could have been born in a palace because he is the King of Kings. God the Father chose a stable for His child to be born in. God wanted the world to know that Jesus had become poor, to show that everyone is important no matter how rich or poor they might be.

In Bethlehem, no one could find room for Jesus in their homes or inns. Today, people are sometimes too busy to find room for Jesus in their homes and lives.

Some Shepherds Hear About Jesus That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and suddenly they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Saviour was born in David’s town. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding box.” Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel. All the angels were praising God, saying: “Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please God.” Then the angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened. We will see this thing the Lord told us about.” So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph. And the shepherds saw the baby lying in a feeding box. Then they told what the angels had said about this child.

Shepherds were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus because Jesus came to be like a shepherd. He called himself ‘The Good Shepherd’ and refers to us as his sheep. He shepherds his flock with love, protecting and providing for us.

Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east. We came to worship him.”

He rules over everyone and everything. The shepherds and then the kings found out about the birth of Jesus. The kings are significant because Jesus is the king above all kings or The King of Kings. He rules over everyone and everything.

The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem. Jesus is like the light from the star, showing us the way to go and leading us through the darkness to everlasting light and life.

Reflection Think for a while, Jesus is your shepherd and he loves and cares for us. Jesus is the light of the world and will show us the way to go. Jesus is the King of Kings, ruler of all. How will you make room for Jesus in your hearts and lives this Christmas time?

Prayer Lord Jesus, Thank you that at Christmastime we celebrate your birthday. Help us to remember you when we are celebrating with family and friends on Christmas Day. Amen