Holy Bible Online 
What was the first Christmas like?
Lights, presents, lots of food, music, family and friends gathered at home... that’s how Christmas usually is today, right? But have you ever imagined what the first Christmas was like?
It was probably very different. There was no cozy home, no big dinner with delicious treats, and not many people around. Jesus was born, and the world didn’t throw him a big celebration. But heaven rejoiced, God’s presence comforted them, the stars celebrated in the sky, and many angels sang praises! Hallelujah! Jesus, the greatest gift, the joy of mankind, was born! Let’s see how it was the most spectacular Christmas, for the Savior of the world was born—the greatest and best gift the world has ever received!
God loved the world so much that He sent His own Son to help us. In His plan, He chose a young woman named Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Mary was not yet married. She became pregnant in a miraculous way through the Holy Spirit. Mary had a fiancé named Joseph, a young man who also trusted in God. Just before having the baby, they had to travel to Bethlehem, her hometown.
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But at that time, the moment for baby Jesus to be born was approaching. Back then, there weren’t as many hospitals as there are today. They looked for a place where they could stay, but the city was full; there was no room at the inn (which was a kind of hotel or guesthouse). They might have even looked for a house, hoping someone would welcome them into a more comfortable place to be with the baby... But they couldn’t find anything!
The only place they found to stay with baby Jesus was in a stable. This place, also called a barn or livestock shelter, is where the farm animals go to eat, drink water, and rest.
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Mary had the baby there, wrapped him in some cloths, and laid him down to sleep in a manger.
Despite all the simplicity, it was a wonderful event for the whole world. For Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, had been born! Angels sang in the heavens:
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests
- Luke 2:14
Baby Jesus received some visitors: some shepherds who heard the angels and some wise men. A great shining star appeared in the sky and guided them on a long journey from the East to where Jesus was. They came to worship Jesus and bring him gifts! And that was the first Christmas! Jesus brought life, peace, and light to the world through the hope of Salvation...
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Lessons from the Story of the Birth of Jesus
Jesus was born to help all people in the world.
Before Jesus, the world was completely dark and sad, far from God, because of the mistakes and evil of everyone. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to bring light and help people do good and find the right path. Thus, everyone who believes in Jesus can become a better person and escape the final punishment.
Jesus is our role model as the Son of God.
Jesus is our best example. It’s as if He were our older brother who teaches us to live the true love of the Father... Except He is much greater than any brother. He is the great God, all-powerful, creator of the universe. He existed before everything was created. But He came to the world as a human being to give us the example of what it means to be a child of God. He is the best model for us to follow.
Jesus Was Born Humble
The Lord Jesus, even being the King of kings, was not born in a palace filled with fancy things, luxury, or riches... Yet He was obedient and brought life, joy, and peace to the earth! He taught us that the best things in life are not the material possessions. It’s not the toys, wealth, or gifts that are the most important. Having Jesus in our hearts is the greatest thing in life!
The Savior of the World
Humbly, Jesus came into the world to save us. We would have a very sad destiny and a life lacking joy if it weren’t for the Lord Jesus. But with Him, we can live out God’s love, loving and caring for people just as Jesus did. God wants people to be His friends, but that is only possible if they pay attention to what Jesus taught.
Jesus, the Greatest Gift
He is the greatest gift; the Son of God is the greatest treasure in the universe! He was born in a humble and simple way because He loves us and wants everyone, even the poorest and weakest, to be able to come to Him... Jesus is the most important person! He is the greatest gift anyone can receive in this life. He wants to dwell in our hearts.
Verses to Memorize
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:16
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).
- Matthew 1:23
Activity Suggestions
1. Ordering Game!
Order the images according to the events of the story.
Prepare pictures/images depicting the most important scenes from the birth of Jesus. You can use the images above or go to FreeBibleImages.org to download a set with more images from this story. Print and cut them out. Ask the children to arrange the images in the order that the events occur. Use Luke 2 as your reference text.
2. Retelling Game
Arrange the children in a circle. After hearing the story, ask them to retell how the birth of Jesus happened. Depending on their ages, you can use the images displayed earlier as a visual aid to help with the order of events.
3. Illustration and Group Discussion
Display the images of the birth of Jesus on a clothesline or board, and ask the children to choose 4 moments from the story (episodes/scenes) that they liked the most. Provide A4 sheets of paper with 4 sections (draw 2 lines in a cross shape to divide the sheet into 4 equal parts). Ask the children to draw the 4 scenes (in their own way), paint or color them, and then explain why they chose those particular scenes to draw. Take this opportunity to explore the lessons from the story. This activity can be displayed in the classroom, or you can encourage them to take their drawings home and explain to their classmates and family about the birth of Jesus.
Materials: images/illustrations of the story, clothesline or display board, blank sheets of paper, colored pencils or crayons.
4. Pray with the Children:
“Lord God, thank You so much for sending Your Son Jesus to this world. Thank You because Jesus brought life, light, and salvation to all of us. By being born on earth, He became the best example for us to follow, and He is the greatest treasure we have. We praise You for this wonderful gift that was given to us! Jesus is the best Christmas gift! He is the most important person in the entire universe! Glory to Your name! Help us to be more like Jesus every day. Teach me to grow like Him, living in a way that pleases You. In Jesus' name, we pray with gratitude.
Amen!
Want to continue learning about the life of Jesus Christ?
Also read: The Story of Jesus Christ.
To see other amazing Bible stories, check out: