Welcome.

Come, boys and girls, gather round for a short read if you kindly will. I’ve a story to tell you – one whose message in your heart you can feel.

It happened a long, long time ago in a land far from where you live. The story tells what gift to the world God did kindly give.

You see, there once was a young woman, so holy was she That God chose her to mother the baby Jesus that would be.

The angel Gabriel came to her and said, “Fear not, Mary.” He told her she had a very special job, the son of God she would in her womb carry.

She did not fully understand, but she believed and offered herself as willing. The plan of God she was fulfilling.

Joseph was to be the chosen step daddy for the baby king. He had a dream wherein an angel told him that sort of thing.

So the two of them married and became a couple willing to follow God. Baby Jesus was coming soon; off to Bethlehem they trod.

They had to be counted because of a government rule. It was a census, taken for tax purposes, something that still happens today – kind of cool.

While in Bethlehem, King Jesus was born. He should have had a mighty welcome shouted from a big horn!

But it didn’t happen that way, girls and boys. The city was full of people who didn’t even realize the joy.

Sadly, no innkeepers made room for Mary to birth her babe. So he was laid in a manager, possibly a slab stone – perhaps with some hay.

Think of it! He deserved a crown, a royal palace, a king’s place! But instead, he came meekly, like a lamb, into a sacred space.

A very special part of this story is that there were some who were seeking – To them the heavenly secret was entrusted to their keeping.

Shepherds were in the fields tending their flock – When alas! An angel of the Lord appeared. None mocked.

Rather they received the angel’s words: “For unto you is born this day…Christ the Lord…” So they came with haste – that means they probably ran and ran some more.

They found Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus lying in a manager, Then they shared that message – most probably with strangers!

Angels, too, were in on the news. They had heavenly anthems to sing for the King of the Jews.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men!” Jesus was God’s great gift He did mercifully send.

Men who were wise traveled far from the east. A star led them, and they followed it until they found the Prince of Peace.

They found Jesus when he was a young child and brought him gifts x 3 – Ones that were indeed fit for royalty.

So children, the first Christmas story is special for sure. It tells of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus pure.

Of shepherds, angels, and wise ones, Those whose hearts received God’s Son.

Christmas is fun no doubt, But please dear children, pause a bit to overcome the world’s clout.

And think of how you can receive Jesus into your heart, Then go on, cheerfully do your Christian part.

You may just make Joseph, Mary, and Jesus warmly smile, Angels, shepherds, and wise ones, too, may join in all the while!

Unto all the world: God be thanked for the faithful figures of the first Christmas!