The Birth of Jesus – Part 1

The Annunciation (the announcement by angels that Jesus was going to be born)

Matthew 1:18-25

Long ago, the Roman empire ruled much of the world.  Caesar Augustus was the emperor and ruled over many countries.  In one of his countries, Judea, Caesar put a king named Herod in charge.

In this country lived a young man named Joseph and a young woman named Mary.  They were going to be married.  Before their wedding, they were each visited by angels, sent from our Father in Heaven.

An angel named Gabriel appeared to Mary. He told her that the Lord was very pleased with her. Then Gabriel told her that she was going to have a baby, that this baby would be the Son of God, and that he would be a King forever. He told her to name the baby Jesus.

The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Mary was really surprised at the amazing things she had just been told.

She asked, “How can this be?”  Gabriel told her, “With God, nothing is impossible.”

Mary believed the words of the angel and told Gabriel that she would serve God and do what He asks of her.

Mary was grateful that Heavenly Father trusted her with this great responsibility.

One night Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream.  The angel told him that Mary was going to have a baby, and that the baby was going to be the Son of God.  Joseph knew the angel spoke the truth.  Joseph was grateful that he was being asked to help raise the Son of God.

Both Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus would be an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us.

What do you think?

  • Why would our Father in Heaven send an angel to both Mary and Joseph?
  • What kind of people were Mary and Joseph to be chosen by God to raise his Son?
  • Can God choose us to do good work?
  • What kind of feelings would Mary and Joseph have about these experiences?
  • Do you think Mary and Joseph often thought of their visit by an angel?

Next:  Jesus’ Birth – Part 2, Born in Bethlehem

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