Saints LightWhy Was Jesus Born in a Stable?
Jesus, God's own Son, was born as a baby in Bethlehem because God loves us and wanted to come close to everyone.
Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem, the town of King David, because the ruler wanted to count all the people. When they arrived, the town was crowded and there was no room for them in the inn. So Jesus, the Son of God, was born where animals were kept and was laid in a manger, the box animals ate from (CCC 525).
Joseph was not Jesus' father in the usual way, because Jesus' Father is God. But Joseph loved and protected Jesus and Mary with his whole heart. God chose him to be the foster father who raised Jesus and taught Him to work.
That night, angels appeared to shepherds in the fields. The shepherds were frightened at first, but the angel told them not to be afraid, because a Savior had been born. They hurried to find the baby. Later, wise men from the East followed a star to bring Jesus gifts.
Why such a humble birth? God the Son could have been born in a palace, but He came poor and small so that everyone, rich or poor, young or old, could come close to Him. Jesus is true God and true man at the same time: fully God, and a real baby who cried and needed His mother (CCC 469).
Christmas is God's great gift to us. God loved the world so much that He gave us His own Son (CCC 458). Presents are fun, but the best gift of Christmas is Jesus Himself.
Key points
- Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.
- Jesus is true God and true man.
- God gave us His Son because He loves us.
The Word of God
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Catechism paragraphs for this lesson
- CCC 456
- CCC 458
- CCC 469
- CCC 525
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Live it this week
Set up a nativity scene at home, or draw one, and pray beside it with your family. Even if it is not Christmas, thank Jesus for coming as a baby for you.
Check yourself: three questions
1. Where was Jesus born?
- In a palace in Rome
- In the Temple
- In a big hotel
- In a stable in Bethlehem
Show the answer
In a stable in Bethlehem. There was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.
2. What does "true God and true man" mean?
- Jesus only looked like a man
- Jesus is fully God and also a real human being
- Jesus became God later
- Jesus was half God and half man
Show the answer
Jesus is fully God and also a real human being. Jesus is completely God and completely human, both at once.
3. Who were the first visitors the angels sent to Jesus?
- Shepherds
- Kings from Rome
- Soldiers
- Fishermen
Show the answer
Shepherds. Angels told shepherds in the fields the good news, and they hurried to find the baby.
Words to know
- Manger
- A wooden box that holds food for animals. Baby Jesus was laid in one.
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
For catechists: a one hour class plan
Goal. The children will know that Jesus, true God and true man, was born poor in Bethlehem, and will see Him as God's greatest gift.
Opener. Ask: "What is the best present you have ever been given? Why was it special?" Then say: "Today we hear about the best present the whole world ever got."
Discussion questions
- How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when there was no room at the inn? [Tired, worried, but trusting God. God took care of them.]
- Why do you think God chose shepherds to hear the news first? [God loves the humble and the ordinary. Jesus came for everyone.]
- Is Jesus part God and part man? [No. He is fully God and fully man at the same time.]
- What gift could you give Jesus this week? [Kindness, prayer, sharing, obedience.]
Activity. Living nativity: assign Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, wise men and animals. Read Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:1-11 aloud slowly while the children act it out with towels and simple costumes. Afterward each child makes a paper star and writes on it one gift they will give Jesus this week.
Closing prayer. Baby Jesus, thank You for coming to be with us. You came small and poor so we could come close to You. Come into our hearts and our homes this week. Amen.
Timing. Welcome and Sign of the Cross 5 min, best present opener 5 min, read the lesson aloud 10 min, discussion 10 min, living nativity 15 min, memory verse 5 min, quiz together 5 min, closing prayer 5 min.
Related lessons
- Who Is Jesus? True God and True Man (Start Here, free)
- who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary (The Creed, free)
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