A Christian Story

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Retold by The Legendary Connection

TLC#00267

Once, a long, long time ago, something truly magical happened on a day we now call Christmas. This special day is a celebration of the birth of a baby named Jesus, and every year, people all over the world remember Him with love and joy.

The story begins in a faraway land, across vast seas, in a small town called Bethlehem. Before baby Jesus was born, His mother, Mary, had to go on a long journey with her husband, Joseph. Back then, there were no cars, buses, or airplanes. People traveled by walking or riding on animals like donkeys or camels. Since Mary and Joseph didn’t have much money, Mary rode on a gentle donkey while Joseph walked beside her, guiding the donkey carefully.

They were traveling to Bethlehem because everyone had to be counted in the town where their families were from. The journey was long, and the roads were dusty and rocky. Mary’s feet must have been sore, and she must have been very tired. But she kept going, with Joseph right by her side, making sure she was safe.

When they finally reached Bethlehem, the town was crowded with people who had also come to be counted. They looked for a place to stay, but every inn and lodging house was full. Tired and worried, Joseph knocked on door after door, but each time he heard the same answer: "No room here!"

At last, one kind innkeeper saw how tired Mary and Joseph were. He didn’t have a room inside his inn, but he pointed to a stable where the animals were kept. It wasn’t much—just a quiet shelter with hay and mangers where the cows, sheep, and donkeys ate their food—but it was warm and safe.

That very night, something wonderful happened. Mary’s baby was born! They wrapped Him snugly in soft cloths and gently laid Him in one of the mangers filled with hay. Can you imagine it? The Son of God, sleeping peacefully where cows and sheep once ate. But it didn’t matter, because love filled that little stable.

High up in the sky, the stars twinkled more brightly than ever before. One star, in particular, shined like a brilliant lantern. It was so bright that shepherds, watching over their sheep in the fields, noticed it. As they stared at the sky, something even more amazing happened—angels appeared! The shepherds’ eyes grew wide with wonder and maybe a little fear, but one angel spoke to them gently.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! Today, in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born. You’ll find Him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Then the sky filled with more and more angels, all singing together, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to all people!” Their voices were like the most beautiful music anyone had ever heard.

The shepherds couldn’t wait! They hurried to Bethlehem, following the bright star. When they arrived at the stable, they found Mary, Joseph, and the tiny baby lying in the manger, just as the angel had said. The shepherds knelt quietly, their hearts full of joy. They knew they were in the presence of someone very special.

But the good news didn’t stop there. Far away, wise men saw the bright star too. They knew it was a sign of something incredible. So they packed their treasures—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and set off on a long journey, riding on camels through deserts and mountains, all to find the newborn King. When they finally arrived, they bowed before Jesus and gave Him their precious gifts. It was their way of showing love and honor to the child who had come to bring hope to the world.

And so, dear children, that’s why Christmas is such a special day. It’s a time to remember how much love and kindness Jesus brought into the world. It’s a time to give, just like the wise men, and to care for others, just like the shepherds. Every year, we celebrate His birthday by sharing joy, peace, and love with everyone around us. And when you see a star shining brightly in the sky or hear the soft music of Christmas carols, remember the angels who sang that night, announcing the birth of a baby who changed the world forever.

Original Source: “Christmas Stories and Legends.” Gutenberg.org, 2024, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/17770/pg17770-images.html#Page_109. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.