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    Joy · 2-minute bedtime story

    Jesus Is Born

    A child-friendly retelling · Luke 2:1–20 · KJV source

    To Bethlehem — colourful storybook illustration

    Page 1 of 5

    To Bethlehem

    Mary and Joseph travelled a long way to the town of Bethlehem, because everyone had to go to their own city to be counted.

    For parents: the Bible account and full story

    The stable animals are imaginative scenery. Luke does not say which animals were present or give a date for Jesus’ birth. The star belongs to Matthew 2, not Luke’s shepherd account.

    Read Luke 2:1–20 in the KJV

    To Bethlehem

    Mary and Joseph travelled a long way to the town of Bethlehem, because everyone had to go to their own city to be counted.

    A baby in a manger

    While they were there, Mary’s baby was born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

    Shepherds at night

    Nearby, shepherds were in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

    Good tidings of great joy

    An angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. The angel said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Then many angels praised God.

    Hurrying to see

    The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. They told everyone what they had heard, and went home praising God.

    Jesus’ birth is good news: the Saviour has come.

    What made the shepherds so happy?

    Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus. Help us remember your good news tonight. Amen.