Luke 2:1-71And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1‑7)
MARY’S husband was called Joseph. He was a good man, and very kind to Mary.
Now, before Mary’s baby was born, a great king said that everybody must have their names written down. So Mary and Joseph left their house and went on a long journey. At last they came to a town called Bethlehem.
But where could they sleep?
They went to an inn, and said, ‘Do let us in. We have come from somewhere far away.’
But the man who kept the inn said, ‘I have no room in my inn for you.’
What could poor Mary do? Must she sleep in the street?
No, the man let her sleep in the stable. So Mary and Joseph went into the stable. There were cows and asses in the stable.
While Mary was in the stable, God sent her the little baby He had promised her. She knew He was the Son of God, though He looked like other little babies.
She wrapped Him in some long clothes, called swaddling clothes. But she had no cradle for Him to sleep in, and she could not lay Him on the ground because the animals might stand on Him. So she put Him in the manger, and she sat by Him to take care of Him. How dearly Mary loved this sweet babe!
This baby did not have a bad heart as other babies have. Jesus had no sin, but was meek and lowly. Yet other babies have cradles and soft pillows, while Jesus lay in a manger.
I will tell you a verse to say to your little baby brother or sister when you rock the cradle.
Soft and easy is your cradle;
Coarse and hard the Savior lay,
When His birthplace was a stable,
And His softest bed was hay.
Questions
What was the name of Mary’s husband?
Why did Mary and Joseph take a long journey?
What town did they come to?
Did they sleep in the inn at night?
Why not?
Where did they sleep?
What baby was born while Mary was in the stable?
Did Mary know it was the Son of God?
Where did she lay her baby?
What did she wrap Him in?
Did Jesus look like other babies?
Was His heart like other babies’ hearts?
About Mary and the Lord Jesus
A verse from the Bible for you to learn: