This story is featured in Prepare the Way: Advent and Christmas Bible Stories for Kids.
Luke 2:8–20
The very first people to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, newborn King of the Jews, were simple shepherds, not great leaders. It was a miraculous event, and yet some of the poorest people in the land were the first to know about it.
As you read this story, pay attention to the message that the angel brings to the shepherds near Bethlehem.
Not far from Bethlehem, where Jesus had been born, there were shepherds in a field watching over their sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them in glory. The shepherds were struck with fear.
“Do not be afraid,” the angel said to them. “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all the world. To you this day is born in Bethlehem a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Then the shepherds saw many angels appear, praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests!”
The angels left them, and the shepherds went as fast as they could to find Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. The shepherds told the new parents all that the angels had said about the child. Mary and Joseph were amazed.
Mary would treasure all that she heard and think deeply about the shepherds’ words in her heart in the years to come. The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard. As the angel said, this is good news for the whole world. There were many people that needed to hear this message of hope.
Reflection Questions
- What message did the angel bring to the shepherds?
- In what ways does Jesus bring peace into our world today?
- How can we, like Mary, think deeply about this and other stories from the Bible?
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