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The Nativity In Bethlehem – The Night Jesus Was Born

The Nativity Story In The Bible

Nativity Candles Luke 2:14

Free online resources based on the Biblical Nativity story. The events surrounding the birth of Jesus can be found in the Bible in Matthew and Luke. To learn more about how Jesus was born, scroll down for a summary of events, Bible verses, and links to sermons, stories, and fun sites for the Nativity of Jesus.

When you think about the Nativity of Jesus, you probably picture the classic Nativity scene with a stable, Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds and animals all admiring Jesus in a manger. This is the way most Nativity sets, or crèches have been designed for decades.

Nativity refers to all the events that surround the birth of Jesus. The accounts can be found in both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s account provides more detail on the actual birth, while Matthew fills in the gaps. From Luke we get the background story of the angel visiting Mary, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth, the angels celebrating his birth and the adoration of the shepherds. Matthew records the details of the visit by the wise men, that took place a short time later.

No Room In The Inn

Forced by Roman decree, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census. Being a small town, and many folks showing up at the same time, all the usual accommodations were taken. It was time for Mary to give birth, so they sought desperately for some place to stay. Finally, they found shelter in a stable with the animals, using a manger as a crib for Jesus.

7 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. — Luke 2:7 <KJV>

Keeping Watch Over Their Flock By Night

Near Bethlehem there were shepherds in the field watching over their flock. It has been suggested that these were the very herds that were used for sacrifice in the Temple just a short distance away. Because of this, there would have been a massive number of sheep – maybe millions, to produce the 250,000 unblemished lambs every year at Passover for the people. And a multitude of shepherds as well. These were no ordinary shepherds, but of a priestly class. In the midst of this massive herd was the Migdal Eder, literally the tower of the flock. Some shepherds would be among the sheep, while a few would be in the Tower, literally “Watching over the flock.”

You Shall Find The Babe Wrapped In Swaddling Clothes

As part of their assignment, the shepherds were to gather and protect lambs for Passover. They had to be the firstborn males, less than one year old, and without blemish. When the lambs were born, they were carefully examined. The males without blemish were set aside and wrapped in special Temple supplied cloths, or swaddled to keep them safe, and laid in a manger.

When the angel gave them a sign, a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, the shepherds knew exactly what was meant. Whether they made the connection between the Passover lambs, and the Lamb of God is unknown. But certainly they recognized something significant had happened that night in Bethlehem.

God Will Provide Himself A Lamb

When Abraham took Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice to the Lord, it was a profound test of his faith. Isaac was the promised Son. Surely, if he gave Him to God, he would somehow be restored. But God was simply proving Abraham could keep the Covenant they had cut. His willingness to offer Isaac, allowed God to offer Jesus. To this end, Abraham made a profound profession, “God Himself will provide a lamb.” And that is exactly what he did then, with a lamb stuck in a bush, and with the arrival of His only Son Jesus. (Genesis 22:1-18)

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. — Luke 2:10-12 <KJV>

Shepherd announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.

Glory To God In The Highest, And On Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men

The appearance of the Angel at first frightened the shepherds. Its very rare to see a spiritual person, much less have one speak to you. But the angel told them not to be afraid. He was there to share with them Good News. The Lamb of God was born that night. The need for them to watch sheep, and prepare them for sacrifice was coming to an end. Its doubtful that the shepherds understood all the repercussions of Jesus’ birth, but they knew it was important.

What did it mean, “peace on Earth” and “goodwill toward men“? Sin had separated man from his Creator. The god of this world had blinded the majority of people making them hostile to their Heavenly Father. Since God so loved the world, He was giving His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

The Heavenly Host praising God.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14  Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men.
— Luke 2:13-14

Nativity Scenes – Truth Versus Tradition

The birth of Jesus has been celebrated in artwork for centuries. Nativity plays were an early way of communicating the story for those that could not read the story in the Bible. Various cultures have added their own unique perspective through Nativity sets which have been created around the world. In almost every case, you will likely see no more than three shepherds. This is highly doubtful. With hundreds of thousands of sheep under watch, even if they rotated their visits, to make sure the sheep were still protected, there might be dozens worshipping Jesus. Something to keep in mind every Christmas season.

Sharing The Good News

The shepherds located the baby just as the angels described. They worshipped him, and praised God for the opportunity to see His Son. Immediately, they began to spread the news to the community. Since these shepherds managed the Temple flocks, and because there were so many witnesses, it was hard to question their testimony. They had indeed witnessed something wonderful.

The Reason For The Season

The Nativity story is the reason we celebrate Christmas. While it is fun acting in a Nativity play, or a live Nativity scene in front of your church, don’t forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas. As the angels explained to the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Dates For Nativity And Related Events

The Nativity of Jesus in 2023 is celebrated on Monday, December 25th. The other important events of the Christmas season include:

Advent – (12/3-12/24) Preparation for Christ’s arrival.
Christmas Eve – (12/24) The Night Before Christmas.
Christmas Day – (12/25) Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
The Twelve Days of Christmas – (12/25-1/5) Twelve days starting Christmas night until the day before Epiphany.

Epiphany – (1/6) Also known as Three Kings’ Day celebrates the visit of the Magi.

Read The Nativity Story In Five Popular Translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIC, The Message

Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1 – Genealogy and birth of Jesus .

Matthew 2 – Visit of the Magi and escape to Egypt.

Luke 1 – The birth of John and the conception of Jesus.

Luke 2 – The birth of Jesus, shepherds visit and early years.

Read the Old Testament Prophecies About the Birth of Jesus

Genesis 3:1549:10Deuteronomy 18:15-19 – General prophecies of the coming Messiah.

Genesis 9:2612:317:2128:1449:8Isaiah 11:1Jeremiah 23:5 – Genealogical prophecies of Jesus’ birth.

Isaiah 7:14 – Virgin birth foretold named Immanuel (God with us).

Micah 5:2 – Bethlehem would be the birthplace.

Psalm 72:10-11 – Kings will present him gifts.

Jeremiah 31:15 – The massacre of Bethlehem’s children.

Hosea 11:1 – The escape to Egypt.

Check out all the wonderful Christian content linked below and learn more about the Nativity story.

Children’s Bible Stories – Scriptures and Adaptations of the Nativity Story

Mary, Gabriel & the Birth Of Jesus – This story is based on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of the birth of God’s son, Jesus.

Angels, Shepherds & Good Tidings of Great Joy – A Nativity Bible story based on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the visit of the shepherds.

Mary Gives Birth to Jesus – A story of the Nativity based on Luke 1:26-2:20.

Children’s Stories – Original Fiction Based on the Nativity Story

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A little star’s faith in God is rewarded when she is selected to be the Christmas star and announce Jesus’ birth.

Spinaker – Tells the story of the tree that was made into the manger. Adapted from “A Tale of Three Trees”.

Kirsi, The Little Lost Lamb – The story of a lamb’s determined search to find baby Jesus. Includes links to a Bible lesson and poem based on the story.

Mette’s Christmas Miracle – A little sparrow has the faith to save her small flock during a terrible Norwegian winter.

The Best Christmas Gift – Boris, a little black cat, learns the true meaning of Christmas. One in a series of online Boris Kitty Stories.

Yuki’s Christmas Tree – Boris teaches a young squirrel the joy of Christmas. Another Boris Kitty Story.

The Three Camels – A story about the camels that carried the Magi to see Jesus. Includes links to a Bible lesson based on the story.

Children’s Activities, Crafts, Coloring Pages, Music, Plays & Poetry for the Nativity of Jesus Story

Nativity Scene – An online activity that allows little ones to arrange sheep, camels, star, angel, Mary to make a Christmas Nativity scene.

Christmas Nativity Scene – Nativity scene templates to use for felt, coloring pages or other Christmas crafts.

Nativity Craft – Preschool Printable Lesson Plan Activities and crafts

Virgin Mary – Preschool Printable Lesson Plan Activities and crafts

The Shepherd – Lesson and craft ideas based on Luke 2

Nativity Coloring Pages – Several pages allow children to color their favorite nativity scene.

Nativity Paper Dolls – Printable wise men, angels and baby Jesus for Nativity crafts.

Christmas Coloring Pages – Several online and printable coloring pages including Mary, angels, animals, the Nativity, and the Wise Men (Scroll down to see Christmas pages)

Nativity Play – Directly from the Bible story

Nativity Plays – Several Children’s scripts

The Birth of Jesus – A Nativity play for 9 children

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about a little star who learns that God doesn’t look for the biggest or the brightest, but those willing to put their complete faith in what He can do in their lives.

The Three Camels – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about the three wise men and their camels: Erin, Nina, and Penda. The camels asked God to send them on a great adventure and boy did He ever!

One Solitary Life – The greatest Christmas poem ever written

Children’s Sermons & Lessons on the Nativity of Jesus Story

The Nativity – A lesson plan for young children

Angels & Shepherds – A lesson plan on angels and shepherds

Christmas Kids Sermons – Children’s sermons on Christmas and Advent

Gabriel Visits Mary – A Bible lesson on the birth of Christ

Devotions, Discussions & Sermons and Other Resources About the Nativity

Nativity Resources For Teachers – Christmas stories and activities

The Real Nativity Story – Surprising Truths You May Not Know!

Good News Of A Great Joy – The shepherds here the Good News about the birth of Jesus. (Luke 1:1-20)

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7) – A brief lesson from Luke

The Birth Of Jesus – An article by Daniel B. Wallace, PhD on the birth of Christ

The Coming Of Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:7&11

The Birth Of Salvation – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:8-20.

The Search For Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi And The Star Of Bethlehem – A lesson on the Wise Men

The Christmas Star – A thorough site that discusses the Christmas star

The Biblical Nativity Narratives – A nice overview of traditions and meaning of the Christmas season – scroll down for Nativity.

Nativity Sets – The University of Dayton hosts exhibits of Nativity sets and crèches from all around the world. Follow links for pictures of previous Nativity scene exhibits.

Nativity Art – The Nativity is one of the most illustrated events in our history. Links to all the best Nativity paintings.

Nativity of Jesus In Art – Nativity artwork throughout history

Nativity Scene – The origins of the nativity scene

See also Luke 1:26-38 – Conception of Jesus, Christmas, Wise Men- Epiphany

Meme Source Bible Verses To Go

Image Source Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing

Search for Other Christian Web Sites.

Suggested Search Terms: Birth of Jesus, Children’s Christmas Stories, Christmas Nativity, Nativity of Jesus, Manger, Christmas Sermons for Kids, Christmas Crafts, Nativity Sermons, Mary, Joseph, Three Kings, Nativity Lessons, Shepherds, Gabriel, Bethlehem, Angels, Star of Bethlehem, Magi, King Herod

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4 Comments

  1. […] To learn more, click here: Christmas & Nativity of Jesus […]

  2. […] For additional Nativity resources […]

  3. […] response. Joseph and Mary were His earthly parents, yet Jesus did not experience a typical Nativity. It was clear that there was something special about Jesus before He was even conceived. And the […]

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