No Room in the Inn
One of the greatest events of all time was about to happen! Jesus would be born to the virgin Mary. He would be called the Son of the Highest.
Before Jesus was born, Mary visited her cousin Elisabeth. She stayed three months before returning to her home in Nazareth. There Joseph waited, eagerly looking forward to their wedding day. When Mary said she would have a baby, Joseph was shocked. He thought Mary had been unfaithful to him.
Mary told Joseph about her heavenly visitor. Still he doubted. Had she really seen an angel? Was this baby to be God’s Son? Was Mary telling the truth?
Joseph decided to break off the marriage as quietly as possible. He did not want Mary to be shamed and publicly disgraced.
But God knew his thoughts. That very night He sent His angel Gabriel to Joseph in a dream. “Don’t be upset,” he said, “Mary’s baby will be born through God’s power and His Spirit. You shall name Him Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” How relieved Joseph felt to hear this message. Gladly he took Mary as his wife.
Then came the news from the Roman emperor that all the people would be taxed, and everyone must register at his home town. For Joseph this meant going to Bethlehem. He took Mary on the tiresome four-day journey to Bethlehem.
When they arrived, Mary longed for a soft bed. But alas, the inn at Bethlehem was already full. So they had to stay in a stable. There Mary’s baby was born.
Joseph and Mary gazed with joy at the little child. This was the promised Messiah! Joseph said, “We shall name Him Jesus, just like the angel told me. He is the one God sent to save us.”
Mary wrapped baby Jesus in long strips of cloth, then Joseph laid Him in a manger.
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-7
Baby Jesus is born in a stable.
Parents:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. (Isaiah 9:6)
Children:
1. Who told Joseph to name the baby Jesus?
2. In what city was Jesus born?
3. Where did they lay Jesus?