Mary gives birth to Jesus

Spending time with Our Lady during summer

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke (2:1-20)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Word of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

Mary and Joseph obeyed the laws which governed them

The news of the birth of Jesus was for everyone, poor and rich.  Jesus became man because he loves us all and he wants to save us all.

Do you know what happened after Jesus was born in Bethlehem?  You can find out by reading Matthew 2:1-23.

The wise men, also went to see Jesus, but before they found Him they went to King Herod to ask him if he knew where this special boy was.  Herod believed that Jesus was going to take his kingdom and that is why he ordered that all male children around the same age as Jesus should be killed!

But Jesus was saved! An angel appeared to Joseph and told him to take Jesus and Mary and escape before the soldiers arrived. Joseph, together with Mary and Jesus, escaped to Egypt.

Have you ever heard of the word refugee?

Do you know what it means?

Refugees are persons who because of the dangerous situation in their country, they have to leave to go to another country to live in safety.  This is what Jesus’ family did, they escaped from their country and went to another one, so that Jesus would be safe. So Jesus was also a refugee!

Mary teaches us that:

  • We should obey those who have authority (as long as what they require agrees with God’s will)
  • Jesus, her Son, came into the world to save everyone

We pray the 3rd Joyful Mystery of the Rosary

Thank you, Jesus, for always loving us.

Jesus help us to obey those who lead us and want what is good for us.

Thank you Jesus, for those who protect us, even when to do this, they have to make great sacrifices

We pray for all families, who because of wars and other difficult circumstances in their countries, must escape to protect themselves and their children.

  • Rosary Beads.  These sites show you how you can make your own rosary beads! Click here, or here.

A note to parents:

Once the rosary beads are completed, take your children to ask a priest to bless them.

When you start praying the rosary, you may start with praying only one decade. Discuss the mystery of the rosary, for example the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem; then ask your children for what or who they wish to offer this decade of the rosary.  Explain to them that Our Lady will take our prayers to Jesus.  Show them how to use their rosary beads.

Colouring page download

Go to your parish church, or to any other church, and see if you can find a painting of the birth of Jesus.

Don’t forget to take a photo and send it to us!