STORIES FROM THE BIBLE--- 6--1

 

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

 

1. The Baby of bethlehem

 

       Soon after Joseph and Mary were married in Nazzareth, a command went forth from the emperor Augustus Casar through all the lands of the Roman empire, for all the people to go to the cities and towns from which their families had come, and there to have their names written down upon a list, for the emperor wished a list  to be made of all the people under his rule. As both Joseph and Mary had come from the family of David the king, they went together from Nazzareth to Bethlehem, there to have their names written upon the list.

 

     when Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem they found the city full of people who, like themselves, had come to have their names enrolled or written upon the list. The inn or hotel was full, and there was no room for them. The best that they could do was to go to a stable where the cattle were kept. There the little baby were fed. on that night, some shephereds were tending their sheep in a field near Bethlehem. Suddenly, a great light shone upon them, and they saw an angel of the Load standing before them.They were filled with fear, as they saw how glorious the angel was. But the angel said to them.

 

     " Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you new of great joy. which shall be to all the people;

for there is born to you this day in Bethlehem, the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. You may see him there; and you may know him by this sign: He is a new born baby, lying in a manger, at the inn." And then they saw that the air round and the sky above them were filled with angels, praising God and singing: " Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace among men in whom God is well pleased." Then the shepherds said to one another: " Let us go at once to Bethlehem, and see this wonderful thing that has come to pass, and which the Load has made known to us."