PART I
A young woman named Mary a was betrothed to a man named Joseph who was a descendant of King David’s family. But before the couple began to be together, Mary became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, her husband, who was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to bad words from people, proposed to leave her again but without anyone knowing.
But just as he was having these thoughts in his mind, an Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, with you, for what is begotten in her comes from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, after Yeshua, which in Hebrew means GOD saves; for he will save his people from their sins.”
This happened, so that what Isaiah prophesied would be fulfilled: “The young woman will become pregnant and bear a son, to whom the name Emmanuel will be given,” which translated means, “GOD is with us.”
Joseph awoke from his sleep, and did as the Angel of GOD had commanded and held his wife Mary with him who bore a son whom they named Jesus.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, at the time of King Herod. At that time magi from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the King of the Jews who was born? We have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.”
But on hearing these words King Herod became very angry, and so gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired where the chosen one was to be born. The chosen one was the one who in the Holy Scriptures had been anointed with oil as a sign of consecration to GOD, called Messiah in Hebrew and Christ in Greek.
When Herod learned that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, in Judea, he summoned the Magi again, asking them to give him precise information about the child, so that he too could go and adore him.
So the Magi set out, following the star they had seen in the East, and reached the place where the child was.
They prostrated themselves, adored the child and offered the gifts they had brought: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
In those days the Roman Emperor Augustus ordered everyone to go and report to the governors so that the large number of the population could be counted, each one registering in his own city. Joseph, because he belonged to the family descended from David, went with Mary his wife, to the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. It was in that tiny suburban place, not far from the glorious Jerusalem, where the famous king of the past David had been born, the one who had defeated the giant Goliath.
It was while they were in Bethlehem that Mary gave birth to Jesus, and since they were far from home they stayed in a temporary place, equipped only with an animal manger, which his mother used as a cradle. She wrapped him in warm, soft swaddling clothes and they waited until the next day.
In that place there were many shepherds who lived in the outskirts of the fields, and who watched over their flocks at night. And in that night they perceived an Angel of GOD, who with a celestial light illuminated them, frightening them, but the Messenger of the Lord GOD said to them:
“Fear not, for behold I bring you good news. A great joy will come to all the people of the believers, for today a child is born in the city of David who will be the Savior and the Chosen One. This will be the sign that will guide you: You will find a babe in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there joined with the Angel a great multitude of heavenly figures singing praise to GOD, saying:
“Glory to GOD in the highest, and peace on earth among men and women of good will.”
When the angels departed, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem to see what God has willed us to know. So they found Mary, Joseph and the child lying in a manger.
When they saw him, they made known what had been announced to them about this child, and everyone marveled. Yet Mary kept these things to herself, though she remembered them in her heart.
The shepherds went away, thanking and praising God for what they had heard and seen, and especially for the great prediction of the good future of the believers.
PART II
The great escape and adventure to Egypt
Not long after Jesus’ birth, an angel working on behalf of GOD came to Joseph in a dream. The angel was like a superhero messenger and said, “Hurry, Joseph! It is time for a great adventure. Take Mary and the baby Jesus, pack your things and go to Egypt. King Herod, he has made his heart and Soul dark, is looking for Jesus because he is very jealous, and he wants to get rid of him.”
Joseph was a man of faith, who believed in GOD, even though he spoke to him only through dreams. Like a superhero father, he wasted no time. He woke Mary, took baby Jesus in his arms, and they left for Egypt under the blanket of the night sky, like secret agents on a mission. In Egypt they moved to a new abode and stayed there until King Herod was no longer a threat to their family.
Back in Bethlehem, King Herod hovered nervously in his palace, angry when he realized that the Magi had deceived him. Behaving like an evil king in a storybook, he ordered something very terrible. Kill all the children in Bethlehem under the age of two. It was a dark and sad time for the people of Bethlehem.
But there is no need to worry! Every good story has sad parts, but then things always turn for the better. When the evil King Herod died, the heavenly angel came back to Joseph in a dream and said to him, “Off you go, Joseph! Everything is quiet now. You can take Mary and Jesus and go back to your home in Israel.”
The great return and a new home
Joseph did as the angel had told him. He took Mary and Jesus and returned to Israel. But when they heard that Herod’s son had become king, they became very frightened. Imagine going back to your old neighborhood only to find that the bully’s younger brother is now in charge.
So they moved to another town, Nazareth, in Galilee. It was a quiet place, perfect for Jesus to grow up. This part of the story shows us that even when things seem troubling, GOD always has a plan and takes care of the righteous.
Remember this when you go on your adventures. You may not have angels appear in your dreams or have to flee to Egypt, but GOD’s love and protection is with you, just as it was with Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
PART III
Jesus, The Young Scholar in the Temple
- After their big adventure in Egypt, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned to Israel. However, when they heard that Herod’s son was now king, they felt a tingle of fear. So, they decided to move to a different neighborhood, a town called Nazareth in Galilee, much like moving to a new school or a new street.
- As Jesus grew older, just like you are doing now, he became stronger, his mind became sharper, and he was filled to the brim with wisdom. He was kind-hearted and everyone loved him, just like the friendliest kid in your class.
- One day, when Jesus was twelve, the same age as some of you, his family went to the bustling city of Jerusalem for a big, festive holiday. It was a special occasion, much like Christmas or a grand birthday party.
- The festival was a lot of fun, with lots of food, games, and laughter. But when it was over and everyone was packing up to go home, Jesus, our young hero, decided to stay behind in the temple. He was deep in conversation with the teachers, much like staying after class to chat with your favorite teacher.
- Mary and Joseph, just like your parents might, started the journey home, thinking Jesus was somewhere in the group. But then they realized, uh-oh, Jesus wasn’t with them! It was like that moment when you can’t find your favorite toy or pet.
- They were worried and rushed back to Jerusalem, their hearts pounding in their chests. They looked everywhere – under every rock, around every corner, much like a dramatic game of hide-and-seek.
- One day passed, then two, then three. After three whole days of anxious searching, they finally found him. And guess where he was? In the temple, sitting comfortably among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. Imagine that, a twelve-year-old discussing big ideas with wise scholars!
- Everyone who saw Jesus was blown away by his understanding and answers. They were amazed, their eyes wide and jaws dropping, much like when you surprise your parents with something new you learned.
- When Mary saw Jesus, she was relieved but also a bit upset, just like your mom might be if you wandered off. She said, “Son, why have you treated us like this? We’ve been worried sick and searching everywhere for you.”
- But Jesus, with a calm smile, replied, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” His words were like a secret riddle that only he knew the answer to.
- Mary and Joseph were puzzled. They scratched their heads and exchanged confused glances. But even though they didn’t fully understand, they were relieved to see their boy safe and sound.
- And so, Jesus, our young hero, went back with them to Nazareth. He continued to grow in wisdom, impressing everyone he met, just as you impress your teachers and parents with every new thing you learn.
- With each passing day, Jesus grew taller, his wisdom deepened, and the favor of God shined on him. He was a beacon of light in his town, much like a lighthouse guiding ships in the night.
- As he grew, he made many friends and even learned a trade. He became a carpenter, like Joseph, creating beautiful things from wood, much like how you create beautiful drawings or build fantastic things with blocks.
- The years passed, and our young hero was not so young anymore. But he never forgot his mission. He knew he had a special job to do, much
PART IV
Jesus, The Carpenter’s Son, Grows Up
- As Jesus transformed from a boy into a young man, he learned many things. One of these was how to be a carpenter, just like his father, Joseph. He learned how to turn pieces of wood into useful things, much like you might build with Lego or draw a beautiful picture.
- Jesus wasn’t just good with his hands; he was also kind-hearted, much like the nicest person you know. He helped people whenever he could, always ready with a smile and a helping hand.
- He was smart too, like the cleverest person in your class. He always had thoughtful answers and asked interesting questions. He was respectful to elders and kind to the young ones.
- Everyone in Nazareth knew Jesus. He was liked by all, from the oldest grandma to the smallest toddler. His warm presence was as welcoming as a sunny day after a week of rain.
- But Jesus was more than just a carpenter’s son. He was special. He was the one God had promised long ago. He was the one who would bring light into the world, like a flashlight in the dark.
- This was a big promise, a big responsibility. But Jesus was getting ready. He was preparing for the day when he would start that very important job, much like how you prepare for a big test or a school presentation.
- As Jesus grew, he understood more and more about this important job. He knew he was here to show people how to love each other and God, much like a teacher helps you understand a difficult lesson.
- He understood that he was here to save people from their wrongdoings, to show them a better way. It was like being a guide leading people on a safe path through a dense forest.
- He knew that he had to teach people about God’s kingdom, a place of love, peace, and joy. It was like talking about a beautiful dream that could come true.
- With each passing day, Jesus was getting ready for his mission. He was like a superhero in training, preparing to save the world.
- But those are stories for another day. For now, we’ll end this chapter here. It’s time to close the book and think about the story we’ve just read.
- So, let’s dream of stars, angels, shepherds, and a baby born in a manger. A baby who would grow up to be a kind carpenter, a wise teacher, a loving guide, and a superhero who would change the world.
PART V
John the Baptist and Jesus’ Baptism
- Time flowed like a river, and Jesus grew from a child into a man. Around the same time, another man named John was causing quite a stir in the desert.
- John was an interesting fellow. He lived in the desert, far from the hustle and bustle of the towns. His clothes were made from camel’s hair, rough and scratchy, and he had a diet that would make you scrunch up your face — locusts and wild honey!
- This man was known as John the Baptist. He wasn’t named after the bouncy dance or the basketball player. No, he was called the Baptist because he had a very important job – he baptized people in the Jordan River.
- Now, baptism was a special ritual. People would go into the water, and John would dip them under. When they came back up, it was like they were starting fresh, ready to be better people.
- John told everyone to turn away from their wrong actions, just like you might apologize after doing something naughty. He said that they needed to get ready because someone very special was coming.
- This special someone was more powerful, more kind, and more loving than anyone else. It was like waiting for the biggest, best birthday surprise!
- One day, Jesus went to see John. He wanted to be baptized too. Even though John felt he should be baptized by Jesus, Jesus insisted. So, John baptized Jesus, just like he did with everyone else.
- When Jesus came up from the water, something amazing happened. It was like the end of a magic trick when everyone gasps in surprise. The sky above opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down on him.
- Now, the Holy Spirit didn’t come down in a rush like a falling star. It came gently, peacefully, like a dove landing on a tree branch. It was a beautiful sight, almost like a painting come to life.
- Then, a voice echoed from the heavens, loud and clear. It wasn’t scary, but it was very awe-inspiring, like hearing a lion roar or a thunderclap. The voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.”
- Hearing this, everyone knew that Jesus was no ordinary man. He was God’s Son, loved by God, and God was very pleased with him. It was like getting the biggest gold star on your work from the toughest teacher.
- This was the start of Jesus’s mission, his very important job. He was ready to teach people about God’s love, about forgiveness, and about how to live a life full of kindness and goodness.
- After his baptism, Jesus didn’t rush off. He stayed in the wilderness for a while. He spent time alone, preparing himself for the journey ahead, like a runner before a race or a pilot before a flight.
- During this time, he was tested in many ways. But he stayed strong, always choosing what was right and good. He was like a brave knight resisting a wicked sorcerer.
- After this time in the wilderness, Jesus was ready. He began his work, spreading the good news of God’s love. He went around teaching, healing, and helping people.
- His words touched many hearts. His actions changed many lives. And his love made a big difference. It was like a tiny seed growing into a big, beautiful tree.
- And so, Jesus’s mission began. He was no longer just the carpenter’s son. He was Jesus the teacher, Jesus the healer, Jesus the Savior.
PART VI
Jesus’ Ministry and Miracles
- After his baptism, Jesus began his ministry, a special mission given to him by God. He traveled from town to town, spreading the good news of God’s love. The news of his teaching and miracles spread like wildfire, and crowds of people would gather to see him, just like fans at a football game.
- One of the most amazing things about Jesus was his ability to perform miracles. Imagine being able to make a blind person see again, just by touching their eyes! Jesus did that and so much more. He healed people who were sick, even those who had been ill for many years. It was like he had a magical healing touch.
- But that’s not all. Jesus even brought people back to life! There was a man named Lazarus who had been dead for four days, but when Jesus called out to him, Lazarus walked out of his tomb, alive again! Imagine the surprise on everyone’s faces.
- Jesus also had a special way with nature. Once, during a scary storm, when his friends thought their boat would sink, Jesus simply said, “Peace, be still,” and the storm stopped immediately. It was as if the wind and the waves listened to him!
- But Jesus didn’t just perform miracles. He also taught people important lessons about life. He did this through stories, which we now call parables. One of his most famous parables is the story of the Good Samaritan, which teaches us to love our neighbors, even if they are different from us.
- In this parable, a man is beaten up by robbers and left on the road. Many people pass by without helping, but a Samaritan man, someone from a group often ignored or disliked, stops and helps the injured man. This story teaches us that we should help anyone in need, no matter who they are.
- Another famous parable is the story of the Prodigal Son. This story is about a young man who leaves home, wastes all his money, and then returns home, afraid his father will be angry. But his father is just happy he’s home and throws a big party for him. This parable teaches us about God’s forgiveness and love.
- Jesus taught his followers how to pray too. He gave them the words we now call “The Lord’s Prayer.” It’s a beautiful prayer that talks about God’s kingdom, asking for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance.
- In his ministry, Jesus showed people the power of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy. He invited everyone to be a part of God’s kingdom, and he showed us how to live lives full of love and kindness. His lessons continue to guide us even today, thousands of years later.
PART VII
The Last Supper
As his time on earth was coming to a close, Jesus planned a special meal to share with his friends, the disciples. This wasn’t just any meal, it was Passover, a big holiday where families gathered to remember how God had rescued their ancestors from slavery in Egypt.
They gathered in a large upper room, a place full of warmth and light. The table was set with the finest dishes, and the aroma of the feast filled the room. But there was also a sense of sadness because Jesus knew this would be his last meal with his friends before he had to leave them.
As they sat down to eat, Jesus did something unexpected. He got up from his meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
This was a job usually done by a servant, not a teacher or a leader. The disciples were shocked. But Jesus explained that he did this to show them an example of love and service. He wanted them to know that being a leader means caring for others, even in the humblest of ways.
After this, Jesus returned to the table and took a piece of bread. He gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then, after supper, Jesus took a cup of wine. He gave thanks for it, and then passed it around to his friends, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
These words were full of deep meaning. Jesus was telling his friends that he was going to sacrifice himself for them and for all people. He wanted them to remember his sacrifice every time they ate bread and drank wine together.
But there was also a hint of hope in his words. By saying “new covenant,” Jesus was promising that his death would not be the end. Instead, it would bring about a new relationship between God and people, one based on forgiveness and love.
After their meal, they sang a hymn together. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with love and sadness, hope and fear. But through it all, Jesus was there with them, comforting them and preparing them for what was to come.
The Last Supper wasn’t just a meal. It was a moment of deep connection, a memory that the disciples would carry with them for the rest of their lives. And it is a story that we still remember today, every time we gather around a table to break bread and share a cup in Jesus’ name.
PART VIII
Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to a garden called Gethsemane. There, Jesus prayed deeply, knowing what was about to happen. But while he was praying, soldiers came and arrested him. They took him to the leaders who were jealous of Jesus and didn’t understand his message of love.
Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite not finding any fault in Jesus, Pilate, fearing a riot from the crowd, gave in to their cries to crucify him. Jesus was led away, carrying a heavy wooden cross on his back.
He was put to death on this cross, a punishment reserved for criminals. As he hung there, he asked God to forgive those who had hurt him, showing his immense love and forgiveness even in his last moments. His friends and family watched in sorrow, their hearts breaking.
Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. A large stone was rolled across the entrance, and guards were placed outside. It was a time of deep sadness and confusion for his friends. The one they had loved and followed was gone.
But something amazing happened three days later. When some women, including Mary Magdalene, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb was empty!
Suddenly, two angels appeared and said, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” They were astonished. Could it really be true? Could Jesus have risen from the dead?
They ran back to tell the other disciples, who were amazed by their story. Peter and John raced to the tomb and found it just as the women had said. But they didn’t see Jesus. It was a mystery.
Later that day, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to a village called Emmaus. They didn’t recognize him at first, but when he broke bread with them, their eyes were opened. They rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others.
As they were talking, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” They were terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. But Jesus showed them his hands and feet and asked for something to eat. They were overjoyed and amazed.
Over the next forty days, Jesus appeared to many people. He taught them, ate with them, and assured them that he was alive. He told them to spread the good news of God’s love and forgiveness to everyone. He also promised that the Holy Spirit would come to guide and help them.
Then, when the time came for him to leave, Jesus led his disciples to a hill outside Jerusalem. He blessed them, and then he was taken up into heaven, disappearing from their sight.
The disciples returned to Jerusalem filled with joy. They knew that Jesus was alive, that he was the Son of God, and that he had defeated death. This was the greatest news of all.
They remembered all the parables Jesus had told them, like the Prodigal Son, showing God’s unending forgiveness; the Good Samaritan, teaching them to love their neighbor; and the Sower and the Seeds, reminding them to spread the good news. All these stories now had an even deeper meaning.
And so, they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit, ready to continue the work that Jesus had started – sharing the love of God with everyone, everywhere. And that’s what we’re still doing today, remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, our Savior, and sharing his message of love.
PART IX
The Ascension of Jesus
After his resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for forty days. During this time, he walked and talked with his disciples, giving them further instruction and wisdom. He explained to them more about the Kingdom of God and how they were to live. They listened attentively, absorbing every word that Jesus said.
He told them about love and kindness, about forgiveness and humility. He encouraged them to be brave and to have faith even when things seemed difficult. He reminded them that they were not alone, that God was always with them and that they could always rely on God’s love and guidance.
After those forty days, Jesus led his disciples to a hill outside of Jerusalem. As they watched, he was lifted up and disappeared into a cloud, returning to His Father in heaven. They stood there, staring at the sky, amazed at what they had just witnessed.
But before he left, Jesus gave his disciples a promise. He told them that he would send the Holy Spirit to comfort them, to guide them, and to give them the power to continue his work on earth. The Holy Spirit, Jesus explained, would remind them of everything he had taught them and help them understand it more deeply.
And then, with a final blessing, Jesus ascended into heaven. His disciples watched as he disappeared into the clouds, their hearts filled with awe and wonder. But they were not left alone. For Jesus had promised them the Holy Spirit, and they trusted in his word.
The story of Jesus does not end with his ascension. Because even though he is not physically with us, Jesus is still present in our lives. He is present every time we show love to one another, every time we help someone in need, every time we offer a word of kindness or an act of generosity.
We are part of the ongoing story of Jesus every time we pray, every time we gather together in his name, every time we choose to follow his teachings. This is how we keep Jesus’ story alive – by living as he taught us to live, by loving as he taught us to love.
Following Jesus’ teachings can make us happier in our lives. It can help us form strong, loving relationships, it can provide us with a sense of purpose and direction, and it can give us a deep and lasting peace that comes from knowing we are loved by God.
Furthermore, living according to Jesus’ teachings can make us wiser. Jesus taught us to be humble, to listen carefully, and to think before we act. These teachings can help us make wise decisions and navigate life’s challenges with grace and understanding.
Jesus’ teachings also make us stronger. They help us develop a strong moral character, they give us the courage to stand up for what is right, and they provide us with the resilience to keep going, even when life gets tough.
So, even though Jesus ascended to heaven, he is still with us, still teaching us, still guiding us. He is present in our lives, in our hearts, and in our actions. And as we live out his teachings, we become part of his story, part of his ongoing work in the world.
And that’s the beautiful message of the Gospel. It’s a message of love, of hope, and of the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings. It’s a message that invites us to be part of something much bigger than ourselves, to be part of the ongoing story of Jesus’ love for the world.
