Mary Receives Wonderful News
Gabriel brings Mary wonderful news: she will become Jesus’ mother, and she welcomes God’s plan with trust.
Bible stories to share together
The birth of Jesus for kids
News for Mary, a baby in Bethlehem, and joy to share. Follow Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men through seven illustrated stories about Jesus’ arrival.
7 storiesEnglish and SpanishSounds and animations
Jesus’ arrival, step by step
This series brings together accounts from Matthew and Luke: the announcement to Mary, Joseph’s message, the birth in Bethlehem, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, the wise men, and the journey to Egypt.
Each chapter lets you pause at one part of the story and discuss how its characters listen, care, and respond. The chapters are separate episodes; there is no need to imagine they all happened on the same night.
The series, step by step
Read the chapters in order, or choose one to share today. Each story has illustrations, interactive sounds, and related activities.
Joseph Receives a Message in a Dream
An angel reassures worried Joseph in a dream, helping him welcome Mary and prepare to care for baby Jesus.
A Tiny Baby in Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born and rests in a manger because there is no guest room.
Good News for the Shepherds
Angels fill the night with good news, and shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to meet the baby who has been born.
Simeon and Anna Meet Jesus
At the temple, Simeon holds baby Jesus and Anna shares her joy after recognizing the Savior they have long awaited.
A Star Guides the Wise Men
Wise men follow a special star, bring gifts to Jesus, and return home by another road after God warns them.
A Nighttime Journey to Egypt
Warned in a dream, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt at night, protecting the child from King Herod.
Lessons to share as a family
Trust
Listening when something is new
Mary received news that would change her life. We can talk about asking questions and seeking help when something is new to us.
Read chapter 1 →Joy
Sharing good news
The shepherds heard the announcement and went to meet Jesus. We can share joy through words and actions that care for others.
Read chapter 4 →Care
Protecting someone who needs help
Joseph and Mary cared for Jesus during a difficult journey. We can recognize the adults who care for us and ask for help when we need it.
Read chapter 7 →Games and coloring pages for this series
Choose an activity to continue your reading. Enjoy it on screen or open its printing options.
Read · talk · do
An idea for family or classroom reading
Good news to share
You will need a sheet of paper for each participant and colored pencils. An adult guides the reading. Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Read chapter 4 →- Read about the shepherds. Open “Good News for the Shepherds.” After reading, remember what they did after hearing the announcement.
- Draw the good news. Each person draws something from the account: the announcement, the road to Bethlehem, or meeting Jesus. No writing is needed.
- Share your drawings. Take turns inviting anyone who wishes to show their paper and describe what is happening in the drawing. Everyone else listens and may ask a kind question.
- Choose someone to encourage. Ask: “Who could we share a joyful word or a helpful action with this week?” Choose someone you know and prepare a drawing or a visit with an adult’s help.
Questions about this series
Is the series only about the night Jesus was born?
No. It also includes earlier and later episodes, from the announcement to Mary to the family’s journey to Egypt. Each chapter gives its Bible reference.
Can we use it outside the Christmas season?
Yes. These stories can be read throughout the year, at home or in class, to talk about Jesus, trust, care, and hope.
How do the sounds work?
Turn on voice tracking and read the story aloud: sounds will play automatically when your reading reaches the corresponding phrases. You can also tap the underlined phrases to play their sounds directly, without turning on voice tracking.
Can we print the activities?
Yes. Open the activity you want and use its print option. Coloring pages can also be colored directly on screen.