Bible Story Lessons

Many years ago, Caesar Augustus ordered that all the Roman world should be taxed and that everyone had to go to their own city.  And so Joseph travelled with Mary from the city of Nazareth, to be taxed in the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.  He had to go there because he was related to King David.

Joseph banged on all the doors in Bethlehem looking for somewhere to stay.  But, everywhere was full except for a stable.  The inn keeper said that they could stay there and while they were there, Mary's firstborn Son, Jesus was born.  Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

In the meantime, some shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night and became afraid when the angel of the Lord came and God's glory shone like a great light around about them.  The angel said them:

"Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy ... for there is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign to you: you will find the Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was a crowd of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  After the angels went back into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord has told us about."

They travelled as fast as they could to Bethlehem, and could not wait to see this Heavenly Baby Jesus.  At last they found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger.  And when they had seen Him, they joyfully told everyone they met about this special Child.

Some wise men from the East came to Jerusalem and asked everybody, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  When King Herod heard this, he was worried and called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people.  "Where is this King to be born?" he demanded and they replied "In Bethlehem".

Herod asked the wise men when the star had appeared, and then sent them on to Bethlehem saying, "Go and search for the young child and when you have found him, bring me word again, so that I may also come and worship him".

Herod the King was angry that the wise men has deceived him so he decided to kill the baby Jesus.  He sent soldiers and killed all the baby boys in Bethlehem that were two years of age or younger.  However, God would not allow His Son to be killed, for God's plan was for Jesus to grow up and become our Saviour and Best Friend.

And so God warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt where God kept Jesus safe.  And He wants to keep you safe too.  God has a guardian angel to look after every boy and girl that loves Him.  He loves you very dearly and wants you to grow up and serve Him all your lives.

God bless!