Story 6 · Ages 4–12
Journey to Bethlehem - No Room at the Inn
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born in a stable.
When Mary was almost ready to have her baby, the Roman Emperor made a new rule. Everyone had to go back to their hometown to be counted in a census.
The story
Joseph was from the family of King David, so he had to go to Bethlehem - King David's hometown. That was a long, long way from Nazareth! It would take many days to walk there.
Mary went with Joseph, even though she was about to have her baby any day. They walked and walked. Mary probably rode on a donkey because walking was too hard for her.
Finally, they reached Bethlehem! But oh no - the little town was FULL of people! Everyone had come back for the census. Joseph went from house to house, knocking on doors. "Do you have a room where we can stay?"
But everywhere was full! "Sorry, no room!" "We're all full!" "Try somewhere else!"
Joseph was worried. Mary needed a place to rest! The baby was coming soon!
Finally, an innkeeper felt sorry for them. "I don't have any rooms," he said, "but you can stay in my stable where I keep the animals."
So Mary and Joseph went to the stable. It smelled like animals and hay. There were cows, sheep, and maybe some donkeys. It wasn't fancy at all!
That very night, baby Jesus was born! Mary wrapped Him warmly in soft cloths called swaddling clothes. But where could she lay the baby? There was no crib! So Mary laid Jesus in a manger - that's a feeding box for animals! She filled it with soft, clean hay to make a little bed.
Meanwhile, on the hills outside Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their sheep. Suddenly, the sky lit up! An angel appeared! The shepherds were so scared!
But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news that will make everyone happy! Today, in Bethlehem, the Savior has been born! He is Christ the Lord! Go and see Him - you'll find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger!"
Then suddenly, hundreds and hundreds of angels filled the sky, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!"
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, just like the angel said! The shepherds were so excited! They went everywhere telling people, "The Savior is born! We saw Him!"
Remember this
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
What did we learn?
The King of the Universe was born in the humblest place - a stable! God's Son came to earth as a tiny baby. This is how much God loves us - He sent Jesus to be with us and to save us!
Big idea: God is always with us and loves us very much!