Christmas on the Net - The Story of the Christ Child and Christmas

The Story of the Christ Child and Christmas

When Rome was a great Empire ruled by Caesar Augustus and Israel was governed by King Herod, in the village of Nazareth lived Joseph and Mary. Joseph was a carpenter and Mary was a young virgin who would become his wife. Mary told Joseph of a dream in which she was visited by an angel who told her she had been chosen to bear the Son of God and his name was to be Jesus.

One day the emperor sent notice that all persons were to register for a new tax. They were instructed to return to the towns of their birth. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem. Mary who was with child, and close to the birth, rode on a donkey while Joseph walked beside her. They traveled for many days and only rested at night.

When they reached Bethlehem it was night. They looked for a place to rest but there were no empty rooms when they reached the inn. As they were being turned away Joseph mentioned his wife was with child and close to birth. The inn keeper took pity on them and told them of some caves in the nearby hills that shepherds would stay with their cows and sheep.

So Joseph and Mary went up into the hills and found the caves. In one cave was a stable room. Joseph cleaned it and made beds of fresh hay. He found a feeding trough which he cleaned and filled with hay to use as a crib. The next night Mary gave birth to a son and they named him Jesus, as the angel had said.

When the child was born a great star appeared over Bethlehem that could be seen for miles around. In the fields nearby shepherds were tending their flocks. An angel appeared to them surrounded by bright light. The shepherds were frightened and tried to run.

"Fear Not," said the angel, "For I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in Bethlehem - a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."

After the angels departed the shepherds set out for Bethlehem. When they reached the cave they found the stable and inside was the child wrapped in swaddling clothes.

As the star shined over Bethlehem, in the east three kings would see it. They knew it was a sign and they set off to follow the star. There was Caspar - the young King of Tarsus, Melchior - a long bearded old man and leader of Arabia, and Balthazar - the king from Ethiopia. They traveled on camels for many days over the mountains, and through the deserts, and plains. Always following the bright star.

When they finally arrived in Bethlehem they found the child in the manger. The 3 kings bowed to their knees and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They would stay the night in the cave and the next day returned to their lands to spread the news.

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Comments

krishan khatri from India

08:54 12/26/2009

Sir, The holy birth of lord jesus is the matter of religion and no analytical .One should not comment on such a sensitive subject, because this is the particular issue which relates to the faith of millions and million people of different countries. This is the matter of belief not of critical observations. Every word of the bible should be considered correct and as authantic as the sun shines o the earth. With thanks, Krishan khatri.

angel from Indiana, US

08:24 12/24/2009

i want to cristmas story

denis from Thailand

12:01 12/23/2009

thats the story 2000 years a go,thanks Jesus and happy christmas

Shanthi from India

00:39 12/23/2009

Great

senthil from India

09:02 12/22/2009

Thankyou we get story about christma and chirstchild.

gloria brown from North Carolina, US

20:05 12/18/2009

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you! May the Lord bless you all!

soklee from Cambodia

19:44 12/17/2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

amanda from Minnesota, US

18:49 12/17/2009

if you did not get the present you wanted be thankfull because some kids dont have food and yourcomplaining about stupid christmas

Michelle from California, US

15:27 12/17/2009

Just a few corrections you can read the "Gospels of Luke" (New Testament). The Angel appeared to Mary in person not in a dream. Also, there is no Biblical account about the # of wise men but there were 3 gifts. Many times people would travel in large groups/caravans for safety so there may have been more. Also we don't know the names of the wise men. They were probably prophets that stayed in Babylon (modern day Iraq) after the time of the Jewish captivity you can read in the Book of Daniel (Old Testemant). During the time of Christ there was a very reputable "school of Magus/Magi". (probably like the "school of the prophets" in Elijah's time) that studied the stars/astronomy. This led them to the Christ/Messiah some time (maybe even 2 yrs) after his birth. John 1:1,14

WEBSTER from Missouri, US

15:39 12/16/2009

Thanks! This Christmas story help out alot w/ my Eng. 110 College Final. Thanks Again, WEBSTER

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