A long, long time ago, on a quiet night, Jesus, our Savior, was born in a small stable. Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were in Bethlehem. There they found a simple place where Jesus was born. Mary lovingly wrapped him in a warm cloth and laid him in a manger, which is a small feeding place for animals.
There were some shepherds in a field nearby. They took care of their sheep in the dark night. Suddenly it became very light! An angel of the Lord appeared, and the shepherds were terrified. “Don’t be afraid!” said the angel. “I bring you good news. Today, Jesus, the Savior, was born in Bethlehem. You will find him: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
The shepherds were so excited! Then suddenly many angels came and sang a beautiful song: “Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth to all people whom God loves!” The shepherds listened and were full of joy.
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: “Come, let us go to Bethlehem. Let us see what the Lord has shown us.” They quickly ran off and found Mary, Joseph and the little baby Jesus in the manger.
The shepherds told everyone about the angels and what they had heard. All who heard it were amazed and rejoiced.
Message of history
Jesus came for all of us. Even the simplest people, such as the shepherds, are important to him. God shows His love for all people, no matter who they are.
Bible passage
The story of the shepherds who visit Jesus can be found in Luke 2:8-20:
Luke 2:8-20 (Schlachter 2000):
*”And there were shepherds in the same region in the field, guarding their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were very afraid. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people: a Saviour has been born to you this day in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to the people of his good pleasure.”
And it came to pass, as the angels were going away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see the thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. But when they had seen it, they made known the word that had been spoken to them about this child. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary kept all these words and moved them in her heart. And the shepherds turned back, praising and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.” *
