The Story of the Nativity
"The Birth of a Babe"
by Henry Grattan Bellew.
A magnificent brightness lit up the sky when an angel appeared to Mary, a young pure women, who was engaged to be married
to Joseph. The angel announced that she was going to have a baby.
"That's impossible for I am not yet married," answered Mary.
"This baby will be very special. He will be the Son of God."
Although Mary did not fully understand she agreed to the Word of God. She was devout.
Some months later Mary and Joseph were married. When it was near to her time they travelled to Bethlehem but found it very
crowded. Not a room was available. Then one kind man noticing how tired and heavy with child she was offered them the use
of a stable.
Gentle animals - cows, donkeys, lambs and poultry - greeted them. During the night Mary's boy child was born. She wrapped
the baby Jesus in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger cushioned with hay. The cows, donkeys and sheep peered into the
manger and with their constant breathing kept the baby warm whilst Mary slept.
Out in the countryside beyond Bethlehem the bright light that appeared in the sky was seen by some shepherds tending their
flocks. They became frightened until an angel appeared and told them not to be.
"I have great news. A child has been born in a stable in Bethlehem who will save all the world."
They were amazed and decided to go and see this 'Saviour' for themselves. With their flocks they arrived at the stable and
gazed down in wonderment at the baby Jesus. They then set off to relate this happy event to all in the area.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour."
The shepherds returned to the hills glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had
Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.
That same bright light had been seen by three wise men in the East. They knew a great king had been born.
After travelling to Jerusalem and enquiring from King Herod where this king might be they were instructed by him to "please
find him and tell me of his whereabouts."
A star lead them to Bethlehem and to the baby Jesus.
The three wise men entered the stable and worshiped the baby. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Before returning to the East God sent them a message not to see Herod. They therefore returned home by a different route.
This is the story of the Nativity.
Written by Henry Grattan Bellew. Irish Author: Latest book "A Pinch of Saltee, see:
Excerpt from "The Holy Bible"
Book of Luke
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And 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.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of
the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present
him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation
of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom
of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in
Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived
with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and
prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.