The Birth of Jesus🔊

Once upon a time, more than two thousand years ago, in the small town of Nazareth, lived a humble woman named Mary. She was betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph. One day, an angel appeared before Mary and said, 'Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.' Mary was filled with awe and wonder. Despite being frightened, she accepted the destiny that God had chosen for her.

Some months passed, and the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, issued a decree for a census. Everyone had to return to their ancestral town for the count. For Mary and Joseph, this meant journeying to Bethlehem.

They embarked on their long journey, Joseph walking and leading a donkey which carried Mary. She was now almost due to deliver her child, her body heavy but her spirit light. Despite the discomfort and the strenuous trip, she held strong, for she knew in her heart the importance of the child she bore.

When they finally reached Bethlehem, they found the town bustling with people. They sought shelter in the inn where they could rest before Mary could give birth. However, they found the inn to be full. With no place to stay, they were directed to a stable nearby, where animals were kept. With no other choice, they settled there for the night. That very night, under the twinkling stars and around the animals that offered them their humble abode, Mary gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

They wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. This humble setting was the birthplace of Jesus, the Saviour of mankind.

At the same time, in fields nearby, shepherds were watching their flocks by night. Suddenly, an angel appeared before them, surrounded by a bright light. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel reassured them: 'Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'

And suddenly there appeared with the angel, a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' Overjoyed, the shepherds made haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. They shared their angelic encounter, glorifying the newborn.

Meanwhile, guided by a bright, shining star in the sky, wise men from the East began a long journey to Bethlehem. They brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These wise men, or magi as they were known, followed the star until they came upon the humble manger. They bowed before the new born King and presented Him their gifts, acknowledging the prophecy that had come true.

And so, in the humblest of settings, amid the love and faith of his earthly parents, the glory of the heavenly hosts, the joy of the shepherds, and the homage of the wise men, Jesus the Saviour was born. It was a night filled with miracles and divine fulfilment, a night that bore witness to the humble birth of a King who would change the course of mankind.

This story not only marks the birth of Jesus Christ, it also serves as a reminder of a humbling message of love, hope, and faith.