A long time ago, before anyone could imagine what was coming, God made a promise. He told His people that one day, He would send someone very special to save them—a King like no other. The prophets, who were like God’s messengers, shared this exciting news.
One of the prophets, Isaiah, said, “The virgin will have a baby, and He will be called Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Another prophet, Micah, said the baby would be born in a little town called Bethlehem.
The people waited and waited for many, many years. Then, when the time was just right, God began His amazing plan.
An Angel Visits Mary
Mary lived in a small town called Nazareth. She wasn’t rich or famous—just a kind, humble young woman who loved God. One day, as she was going about her day, something incredible happened. An angel appeared! Mary was so surprised!
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you! You’re going to have a baby, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great, and His kingdom will never end!”
Mary couldn’t believe her ears. “But how can this happen?” she asked.
The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will make this happen. Your child will be the Son of God.”
Mary didn’t understand everything, but she trusted God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said. “May everything you’ve said come true.”
A Baby for Zechariah and Elizabeth
Around this time, something else wonderful happened. Mary’s relative Elizabeth, who was very old and thought she couldn’t have children, was going to have a baby too! Her husband, Zechariah, was a priest, and an angel had told him the news while he was working in the temple.
The angel said their baby, John, would prepare the way for Jesus. When Mary visited Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s tummy jumped for joy because he knew how special Jesus would be!
The Long Journey
Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. Joseph loved Mary, but he was very surprised when he found out she was going to have a baby. Then an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to marry Mary. Her baby is from the Holy Spirit. He will save His people from their sins.”
Not long after, the emperor of the land decided to count all the people. This meant Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem, Joseph’s hometown. Mary was very pregnant, and the journey was long and hard. When they arrived, Bethlehem was so crowded that they couldn’t find a place to stay.
The Baby is Born
Finally, someone let them stay in a stable where animals were kept. It wasn’t fancy, but it was warm and safe. That night, Mary had her baby—a little boy. She wrapped Him in soft cloths and laid Him in a manger, the animals’ feeding box.
This baby was Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior the prophets had promised.
Shepherds and Angels
Not far from Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching their sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared, and the sky lit up with God’s glory. The shepherds were scared, but the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news that will make everyone happy. Today in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord!”
Then the sky filled with angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!”
The shepherds ran to find the baby. When they saw Him, they knew it was true—this tiny baby was the Savior of the world!
The Wise Men and a Star
Far away, some wise men saw a special star in the sky. They knew it meant a King had been born. They packed gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and followed the star for a long, long time.
When they finally found Jesus, they bowed down and worshiped Him. They knew He was a King like no other.
Why Jesus Came
Jesus didn’t stay a baby. He grew up and began teaching people about God’s love. He healed the sick, helped the hurting, and forgave people for the wrong things they had done. But the most amazing thing Jesus did was die on the cross to save us from our sins. Three days later, He came back to life, proving that He was stronger than death!
The Best Promise
Before Jesus went back to heaven, He made a promise. “I will come back,” He said. One day, Jesus will return as King, and His kingdom will last forever.
This is why Christmas is so special. It’s not just about presents or decorations—it’s about celebrating the greatest gift God ever gave: His Son, Jesus. Let’s remember to thank God for His love and share the good news with everyone we meet.
The End
Bible References (for adults)
Old Testament Prophecies
- Genesis 3:15 – The first promise of a Savior (the “seed of the woman”).
- Isaiah 7:14 – The prophecy of a virgin giving birth to Immanuel.
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – The prophecy of the child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
- Micah 5:2 – The prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
- Numbers 24:17 – A star rising out of Jacob, associated with the Messiah.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The prophecy of a righteous branch from David’s line.
The Christmas Story in the New Testament
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
- Luke 1:5-25 – The angel Gabriel announces John’s birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth.
The Annunciation
- Luke 1:26-38 – The angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces Jesus’ birth.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
- Luke 1:39-56 – Mary visits Elizabeth, and her song of praise (the Magnificat).
The Birth of John the Baptist
- Luke 1:57-80 – The birth of John and Zechariah’s song of praise.
Joseph’s Dream
- Matthew 1:18-25 – The angel appears to Joseph, assuring him that Mary’s baby is from the Holy Spirit.
The Journey to Bethlehem and the Birth of Jesus
- Luke 2:1-7 – Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
The Angels and the Shepherds
- Luke 2:8-20 – Angels announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds, who visit the baby.
The Circumcision and Presentation at the Temple
- Luke 2:21-40 – Jesus is presented at the temple, and Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah.
The Visit of the Magi
- Matthew 2:1-12 – The wise men follow the star to find Jesus and bring Him gifts.
The Escape to Egypt
- Matthew 2:13-15 – Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod.
Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents
- Matthew 2:16-18 – Herod orders the killing of baby boys in Bethlehem.
The Return to Nazareth
- Matthew 2:19-23 – Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return from Egypt and settle in Nazareth.
