Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because of an order from the Roman emperor that a census, or record, of all people be taken in their hometown. After traveling on a donkey for several days, Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem and were told there were no places to stay. The inns were full. Seeing that Mary was due to give birth at any moment, an inn owner told Joseph they could stay in his stable. Mary went into labour, and Jesus was born in the stable. The only place for the sleeping baby to rest was most likely in the animals’ trough, known as the manger. During this time, an angel appeared to shepherds who were watching their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. The angel told them the good news of the birth of the Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. The shepherds immediately went to find baby Jesus, who the angels told them they would find sleeping in the manger. Then they ran off to share the good news with everyone.
Jesus takes three of his disciples, Peter, James and John up to a mountaintop to pray. Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light, his face and clothes radiant. Then Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah appear with him, and he speaks with them. Then they are covered by a cloud, and Jesus is called the Son by the voice of God the Father, who says to listen to Jesus. The disciples are initially afraid and fall in terror at God’s voice, and Jesus says not to be afraid, and they look up to see only Jesus.
A Bible story resource on Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Bible story resource about the resurrected Jesus revealing himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
The Israelites were in conflict with the Philistines, and the towering Philistine champion Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior for a one-on-one battle. Despite their fear, young shepherd David stepped forward, armed with only a sling and stones. With unwavering faith in God, he skillfully aimed a stone at Goliath’s forehead, defeating the giant. This astonishing victory transformed David into a hero, symbolising that faith and determination can conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The story is about a Moabite woman named Ruth who, after the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. She accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem, where Ruth gleans in the fields to provide for them. Ruth catches the eye of Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi’s family. They marry, and Ruth becomes an ancestor of King David and, later, Jesus Christ.
Nebuchadnezzar erected a colossal statue, covered in gold, for the people to worship. Everyone was ordered to bow down and worship this image. Anyone who refused would be eliminated as a traitor and potential rival to the king.
When the king found out that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not bowing to the image he offered them another chance. They refused, confessing their faith and confidence in their all-powerful God. They trusted God could save them, but even if he did not rescue them, they still would not worship any god but him. They are thrown into the furnace, but instead of dying they are seen in the furnace with another person protecting them. When they came out of the furnace completely unharmed, the king had to admit defeat and recognise God’s superior power. Their courageous witness led a heathen king to honour their God.