The Shepherds and the First Christmas Night

Part 1

It was night in the fields near Bethlehem. Some shepherds were awake, watching over their sheep in the dark.

Shepherds were simple, hardworking people. No one imagined that, on that night, they would hear the most important news in the world!

"There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock." — Luke 2:8

Part 2

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of God shone all around. The shepherds were very afraid!

But the angel said he had good news: the Savior had been born in Bethlehem. And he gave them a sign: they would find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.

The angel to the shepherds: Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.

Part 3

Then the sky filled with angels! A great army from heaven appeared, praising God.

Imagine that dark sky full of light and music! The shepherds had never seen anything like it.

"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." — Luke 2:14

Part 4

When the angels went back to heaven, the shepherds said: "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what has happened!"

They hurried and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, just as the angel had said. Then they told everyone, and all who heard were amazed. Mary kept all these things in her heart.

God chose simple people to hear the Christmas news first: Jesus came for everyone!

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them." — Luke 2:20