This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph, her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
All this took place to fulfill what the lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means "God with us." (Matthew 1:18-23)
On the night that jesus was born there were shepherds in a nearby field keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly the sky filled with light. The angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds trembled in fear.
"Don't be afraid" said the angel "for I have great news. Today in the city of Bethlehem, a Child was born who is Christ the King. You shall find this Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
When the angel finished speaking, a multitude of angels appeared in the sky. "Glory to God the highest!" they sang. "Peace on earth and good will toward men!"
After the angels had gone, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. There, they found Mary and Joseph sitting near the Baby Jesus, who was lying in the manger. "An angel told us about the newborn King," said the shepherds. "May we see him?"
Mary smiled and nodded. Joseph led the shepherds to the manger. They bowed and thanked God for sending them the saviour, who would bring joy and hope into their lives.
From 'A christmas Stocking' Louise Betts Egan
Little donkey, little donkey On a dusty road Got to keep on plodding onwards With the precious load. Been a long time little donkey Thro' the winter's night. Don't give up now little donkey Bethlehem's in sight. Ring out those bells tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Follow the star tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Little donkey, little donkey Had a heavy day Little donkey carry Mary Safely on her way. Little donkey, little donkey Journey's end is near There are wisemen waiting for a Sign to bring them here. Do not falter, little donkey There's a star ahead It will guide you, little donkey To a cattle shed Ring out those bells tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Follow that star tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Little donkey, little donkey Had a heavy day Little donkey carry Mary Safely on her way. Little donkey carry Mary Safely on her way.
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever, and love me, I pray! Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there.
