The Birth of Jesus
The angel Gabriel told Mary she would have a baby named Jesus, the Son of God. Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and laid in a manger. Angels told shepherds the good news, and later wise men followed a star to worship him.
You will learn to...
- Retell the story of Jesus' birth from Luke and Matthew.
- Identify Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men.
- Understand why Christians call Jesus God's greatest gift.
Words to know
- Angel
- A messenger sent by God.
- Manger
- A box that holds food for animals.
- Saviour
- Someone who rescues. Christians believe Jesus came to save people.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
In the town of Nazareth lived a young woman named Mary, who was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary she would have a son, and she should call him Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary said yes to God.
An angel also spoke to Joseph in a dream, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Later, the ruler Caesar Augustus ordered everyone to register in their family's hometown, so Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem. While they were there, Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the guest room.
That night angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, announcing good news of great joy: a Saviour had been born. The shepherds hurried to find the baby. Sometime later, wise men from the east followed a star to Jesus and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus is God's Son who came to live among us, and that he is God's greatest gift of love to the world. The Bible doesn't say how many wise men there were — only that they brought three kinds of gifts — and Matthew tells us they found Jesus in a house, probably some time after his birth.
For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Family conversation starters
- Why do you think God chose to tell shepherds first?
- What are some ways our family can celebrate Jesus, not just presents, at Christmas?
Main people: Mary, Joseph, husband of Mary, Jesus, Gabriel · Topics: Christmas, Jesus, God's gift, Joy · Review status: awaiting theological review