The Abbreviated Christmas Story

In those days, the emperor wanted to count all the people that he ruled. He ordered everybody to return to where they were born. Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem. It took them nearly a week to travel there. When Mary and Joseph arrived, they saw people everywhere. People were camped in the streets and beside the road. Mary was tired. They stayed in a cave. The people kept their animals inside that cave. Since they kept the animals in the cave, they called it a stable. Joseph said to Mary, "Let's go into the stable. We can make a bed on the straw. It's better than sleeping outside." They went to the stable so Mary could rest and Joseph made her a nice bed using the straw. That night, Mary's baby was born. Mary wrapped him in and long strips of cloth to keep him warm. She made a bed for him in a manger full of straw. Mary and Joseph were very happy. Mary and Joseph named him Jesus as the angel had said.

Dear God,
Thank you so much for giving us Jesus. Thank you so much for all you do for us. Thank you for loving us. Help me to love as You do. This I ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen