ThinkabaraLong, long ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, the streets were crowded with travelers. Everyone had come to be counted, and every inn was full.
A young woman named Mary and a kind man named Joseph had traveled a long way. Mary was going to have a baby very soon, and they were tired and cold.
They knocked on door after door. “No room,” said one innkeeper. “No room,” said another. At last, one innkeeper said, “I have no room in my house — but you may rest in my stable.”
The stable was simple, with straw on the floor and animals all around: a gentle donkey, a sleepy cow and a few soft sheep. And there, on that quiet night, baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him in cloth and laid him in a manger filled with hay.
Out in the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep under the stars. Suddenly, the sky filled with light, and an angel said, “Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy.” The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby.
Far away in the East, wise men saw a bright new star in the sky. They followed it for many days, carrying gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
For many people around the world, this is the story Christmas celebrates — a story of hope, of kindness to strangers, and of a little light shining on a dark night.
So tonight, when you see the star on top of a Christmas tree, you can remember that very first Christmas night. Sleep well, and Merry Christmas.