The First Christmas Story

In the village of Nazareth lived Joseph and Mary. Joseph was a carpenter and Mary was a young virgin who would become his wife. Mary told Joseph of a dream in which she was visited by an angel who told her she had been chosen to bear the Son of God and his name was to be Jesus. One day the emperor sent notice that all persons were to register for a new tax. They were instructed to return to the towns of their birth. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem. Mary who was with child, and close to the birth, rode on a donkey while Joseph walked beside her. They traveled for many days and only rested at night. When they reached Bethlehem it was night. They looked for a place to rest but there were no empty rooms when they reached the inn. As they were being turned away. So Joseph and Mary stayed in a stable with the animals. Mary gave birth to a son and they named him Jesus, as the angle had said. When the child was born a great star appeared over Bethlehem that could be seen for miles around. In the fields nearby shepards were tending their flocks. An angel appeared to them surrounded by bright light. The shepherds were frightened and tried to run. "Fear Not," said the angel, "For I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in Bethlehem - a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." "And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on peace on Earth, good will toward men." After the angels departed the shepards set out for Bethlehem. When they reached the stable, they found inside the child wrapped in swaddling clothes. As the star shined over Bethlehem, in the east three wise men saw it. They knew it was a sign and they set off to follow the star. They traveled on camels for many days over the mountains, and through the deserts, and plains. Always following the bright star. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem they found the Christ child. They bowed to their knees and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The next day they returned to their lands to spread the news.

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