THE BIRTH OF JESUS
In which is told the story of the Christ child, the annunciation to the shepherds, and the adoration of the wise men.
In the distant country of Judea lies the little town of Bethlehem. It is five miles south of Jerusalem. There were such queer little homes; such narrow streets; and only one large inn. Down these narrow streets all day crowds of people had passed. People who had once lived in this little town of Bethlehem and had moved away were coming back to pay taxes. It was late in the evening. The little streets were almost deserted. The inn was full, and the tired travelers were making ready for the night.
No one noticed a man and a woman that came very slowly. The man had a heavy beard and wore long white robes, and led a donkey with a woman sitting on it. How tired the woman looked! But there seemed to be a light shining from her eyes, and one marveled at her beauty. The man’s name was Joseph, the woman’s name was Mary. Arriving at the inn Joseph knocked and was told that there was no room. So creeping wearily to a little stable behind the inn, they, too, made ready for the night.
In the early hours of the morning a son was born to Mary and Joseph, a baby whom they called Jesus.
On this very night that Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their sheep on the hills. Drowsy and sleepy were they when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared, and a bright light shone upon them. They were much frightened.
An angel said to them: “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. In Bethlehem is born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” Then the sky was filled with voices saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.”
When the song ended, the angel disappeared. Then the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to find the Christ Child. It was still dark. The people and animals were sleeping. The inn was closed. The shepherds went to the stable beyond, and there they found the Christ Child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
Then a strange procession entered the town. People looking from their windows were curious to know whence came those men. Wise men of the East riding on camels were they, following what seemed to be a brilliant light in the shape of a star. And now the light ceased to move and they stood looking in a crude stable door. The camels kneeled, the wise men got off, and went into the stable to see the little babe.