The Story of Christmas
by Barbara Cooney
Illustrated by Loretta Krupinski

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The Annunciation
Almost two thousand years ago, there lived a young couple who were engaged to be married. They lived in a town called Nazareth in Galilee. One night the young woman, Mary, was visited by an angel named Gabriel, who told her that God had a plan for her. She had been chosen to be the mother of the Son of God. She was a little afraid, but the angel resassured her, so she felt that this was true and good.

The Nativity
Right before she was to give birth to her baby, she and her husband, Joseph, had to travel to Bethlehem in Judea. The King had ordered everyone to return to their home town to take part in a census. By the time Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, she was about to give birth, and all of the inns were full. They settled in a barn for the night, and Jesus was born and put in a manger for his bed!

There were sheperds in a nearby field that night, and an angel came to tell them that the Son of God had been born nearby in a barn. They were a little afraid, but soon many angels sang a beautiful song, and they felt reassured. When they found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the barn, they realized that the angels were right, and they were amazed.

The Visit of the Magi
Meanwhile, there were three wise men who were also searching for Jesus. These men had seen a special star in the sky, and they knew that it was a sign of the Son of God. They followed the star, and it lead them to the barn. When they found Mary and Joseph, and Jesus, they fell on their knees and worshipped the baby, and presented him with special gifts of gold and incense.

What is Christmas?
When is Christmas?
The Story of Christmas
How is Christmas Celebrated?
Recipe for Christmas candy
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