Heavenly Messengers Announce the Good News
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.”
At once the whole countryside lit up with glory as thousands of angels appeared. Their musical voices rose in a chorus of praise. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” Then the angels vanished as suddenly as they had come.
The shepherds hurried across the hills and valleys to Bethlehem. There they found the baby Jesus just as the angel had said. They told Joseph and Mary all about the angels.
Finally the shepherds returned to their flocks. They told the wonderful news to everyone they met. How they praised God!
Many miles away, some wise men from the east saw a very bright star one night. They decided this was a sign from God, meaning that a new king had been born. Quickly they loaded their camels and traveled to the land of Israel.
At Jerusalem, the wise men asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” Herod directed them to Bethlehem. That night the bright star moved toward Bethlehem. It led the men right to the house where Jesus was.
How glad the wise men were to find Jesus! They knelt down and worshiped the baby king. Then they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Perhaps this was God’s way of providing for His faithful servants, Joseph and Mary.
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-12
The shepherds listen to the angel’s good news.
Parents:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Children:
1. Why were the shepherds outside at night?
2. Who told the shepherds that Jesus was born?
3. What guided the wise men to the baby Jesus?