The Very First Christmas Night

Long ago, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that everyone must travel to their ancestral hometown to be counted. Joseph and Mary packed their things and made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mary was expecting a baby, and she rode gently atop a small donkey under the twilight sky.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, the cobblestone streets were crowded, and every inn had its doors shut tight—there was no room anywhere. But an innkeeper offered them a cozy stable out back. There, nestled softly in clean golden hay beside friendly animals, baby Jesus was born. Mary lovingly wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger.

Out in the quiet hills nearby, shepherds were keeping watch over their sleeping flocks. Suddenly, a brilliant light shattered the darkness! An angel of the Lord appeared and said: "Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born!"

In that moment, thousands of bright angels filled the velvet sky, singing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all!" The shepherds hurried into the town, found the tiny baby asleep in the manger, and their hearts overflowed with wonder and praise.