The Gospel from the worksheets, told for little ones. Read it aloud on Saturday, or tap Listen.
Jesus Is Born!
Long ago, the emperor ordered everyone to be counted in their family’s home town. So Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem, the town of King David. While they were there, Mary’s baby was born. She wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, where animals eat their food, because there was no room for them at the inn.
Out in the fields nearby, shepherds were watching their sheep at night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and God’s glory shone all around them! “Do not be afraid,” said the angel. “I bring you good news of great joy. Today a Saviour has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord!” Then a huge crowd of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest!”
That is why we celebrate Christmas! God loves us so much that He sent His own Son to be our Saviour. Jesus came as a tiny baby, and He came for everyone, even you!
Big idea: At Christmas God gave us the best gift of all: His Son Jesus, born in Bethlehem to be our Saviour!
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem. There, baby Jesus was born! Mary laid Him in a manger, where the animals eat.
That night, an angel came to some shepherds. “Good news!” said the angel. “A Saviour is born for you!” Then lots of angels sang, “Glory to God!”
Big idea: Baby Jesus is born! Happy birthday, Jesus!
At the Mass during the Night we hear the Christmas story most of us grew up with: a census, a long journey, no room at the inn, and a newborn laid in a manger. The first announcement goes not to the powerful but to shepherds working the night shift. Isaiah sets the tone: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” If you go to a different Mass, the Gospel changes: the Vigil gives Jesus’ family tree from Matthew, the Mass at Dawn follows the shepherds to the manger, and the Mass during the Day reads the opening of John’s Gospel.
Christmas at home is rarely calm, and that is fine. God chose to arrive in a crowded town, in a borrowed space, among animals and tired parents. Amid the presents and gatherings, give the children one quiet moment with Jesus Himself: kneel at the crib, sing a carol slowly, say happy birthday.
Dinner-table questions
Where did Mary lay baby Jesus, and why?
What happy news did the angel tell the shepherds?
If you could visit baby Jesus, what would you say to Him?
This week’s family practice: On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, place baby Jesus in your family crib together and sing one carol. Each evening until Epiphany, gather at the crib and say, “Happy birthday, Jesus!”
