LESSON XIII.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.
Luke, ii. 1-7.
Mary had a husband called Joseph. He was a good man, and very kind to Mary.
Now before Mary’s baby was born, a great king said that everybody must have their names written down. So Mary and Joseph left their house, and went a great way off. At last they came to a town called Bethlehem.
It was night. Where could they sleep? They went to an inn, and said, Do let us in. We have come from a great way off.
But the master of the inn said, I have no room in my inn for you.
What could poor Mary do? Must she sleep in the street? Mary said she would sleep in the stable, if the master would let her.
So Mary and Joseph went into the stable. There were cows and asses in the stable.
While Mary was in the stable, God sent her the little baby he had promised her. She knew he was the Son of God, though he looked like other little babies.
She wrapped him in some long clothes, called swaddling clothes; but she had no cradle for him to sleep in, and she could not lay him on the ground, lest the beasts should tread upon him; so she put him in the manger, and she sat by him to take care of him.
How dearly Mary loved this sweet babe!
This baby had not a naughty heart, as other babies have. Jesus had no sin, but was quite meek and lowly. Yet other babies have cradles and soft pillows, while Jesus lay in a manger.
I will tell you a verse to say to your little baby brother when you rock his cradle: