The Israelites lived in safety under God’s care, while the Egyptians suffered destruction from the plagues. By now many of the Egyptians feared the God of the Israelites and Moses, His servant.

The Lord told Moses, “Pharaoh has hardened his heart, and he refuses to hear my voice. He will not let my people go. In the morning, go stand by the river. When Pharaoh comes, wave your rod over the waters of Egypt.” Moses and Aaron obeyed the Lord. When Aaron struck the water, it turned into blood. All the fish died and a terrible stench hung over the land.

The children of Israel traveled toward the Red Sea, led by the pillar of cloud and fire. In a few days they came to the seashore, with the water before them and high mountains on each side. But King Pharaoh wanted them back as soon as they had gone. He called out his army, his chariots, and his horsemen, and followed them. Very soon the army of Egypt was behind the Israelites.

A few hours after Jesus was born, Bethlehem became very quiet. Far away a dog barked. The sleeping town had no idea that a great event had just taken place. Out on a hillside nearby, some shepherds huddled sleepily near their flocks. Suddenly a glorious light shone round about them, and an angel appeared. The shepherds were terrified. “Don’t be afraid, for I am bringing you the most joyful news you could hear,” the angel said. “Christ the Saviour is born in a stable in Bethlehem. You will find Him wrapped in long strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

The great flood that God had sent soon became a dim memory in the minds of Noah’s children. Their families continued to grow until there were many people in the world. But the thoughts of their hearts were again becoming evil.