Chapter 1—The Birth of Jesus
In the little town of Nazareth, nestled among the hills of Galilee,
was the home of Joseph and Mary, who were afterward known as the
earthly parents of Jesus.
Now Joseph was of the lineage, or family, of David; and so, when
a decree was sent out for the people to be taxed, he had to go to
Bethlehem, the city of David, to have his name enrolled. This was a
toilsome journey, as people traveled in those times. Mary, who went
with her husband, was very weary as she climbed the hill on which
Bethlehem stands.
How she longed for a comfortable place in which to rest! But the
inns were already full. The rich and proud were well cared for, while
these humble travelers had to find rest in a rude building where cattle
were sheltered.
Joseph and Mary possessed little of earth’s riches, but they had the
love of God, and this made them rich in contentment and peace. They
were children of the heavenly King, who was about to give them a
wonderful honor.
Angels had been watching them while they were on their journey,
and when night came on, and they went to rest, they were not left
alone. Angels were still with them.
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There, in that lowly shed, Jesus the Saviour was born and laid in
a manger. In that rude cradle lay the Son of the Highest—He whose
presence had filled the courts of Heaven with glory.
Before He came to the earth, Jesus was the Commander of the
angel hosts. The brightest and most exalted of the sons of the morning
heralded His glory at the creation. They veiled their faces before Him
as He sat upon His throne. They cast their crowns at His feet, and sang
His triumphs as they beheld His greatness.
Yet this glorious Being loved the poor sinner, and took upon Him
the form of a servant, that He might suffer and die for us.
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