The Bible Clicks, A Creative Through-the-Bible Series, Book Two: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love from the New Testament

By Sharon Donohue

SPOILER ALERT: This book has been known to change lives.

 

The Bible Clicks captures Scripture's most compelling highlights and unpacks those gems in 365 episodes, chronologically arranged and cleverly illustrated, uniquely designed for curious teens, creative adults, and anyone who has ever felt intimidated by the Bible—a delightful gift for any occasion. The carefully crafted storytelling in this two-volume set maintains an accurate rendering of the Scriptures, sequentially portraying historical narratives, prophecy, wisdom literature, poetic songs, letters, and the apocalyptic book of Revelation.

 

Suspense builds in Book Two with 186 stories that feature the charismatic life and teachings of Jesus, dramatic accounts of men and women who later displayed his same dynamic power, gripping letters by apostles like Paul to the early churches, and glimpses of heaven and earth drama playing out in Revelation.

 

When you travel through Scripture by way of stories, the Bible clicks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ABridge Press
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781735072272

Book preview

THE BIBLE

CLICKS

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A Creative Through-the-Bible Series

Book Two

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Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love

from the New Testament

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Compiled and retold by

Sharon Donohue

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Copyright © 2020 by Sharon Donohue

The Bible Clicks, A Creative Through-the-Bible Series, Book Two: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love from the New Testament

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Nihil Obstat:

Reverend Robert Adams, STL

Censor Librorum

February 21, 2019 

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Imprimatur:  

Most Reverend John Stowe, OFM Conv.

Bishop of Lexington

February 21, 2019

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The nihil obstat and imprimatur are official declarations that a published work is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the nihil obstat or imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed, nor do they assume any legal responsibility associated with publication.

Published by ABridge Press

EPUB ISBN 978-1-7350722-7-2

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

With love

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to my daughter, Katie,

who inspired me to write The Bible Clicks,

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to my husband, Kevin,

who encouraged me to publish The Bible Clicks,

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to my patron, Saint Angela Merici,

who prays we run with perseverance the race marked for us,

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and to Mom D,

who proved that God’s Word changes lives,

The Bible Clicks for all ages.

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Child of Destiny

Chapter 2: Message from Heaven

Chapter 3: Born with a Mission

Chapter 4: God Speaks in a Dream

Chapter 5: Good News for the Whole World

Chapter 6: A Baby Unlike Any Other

Chapter 7: The Magi

Chapter 8: Escape to Egypt

Chapter 9: Jesus Is Missing

Chapter 10: Preparing People for Jesus

Chapter 11: Pointing to Jesus

Chapter 12: Tempted by Satan

Chapter 13: Philip and Nathaniel

Chapter 14: The First Miracle

Chapter 15: Traveling in Secret

Chapter 16: Healing at the Pool

Chapter 17: A Visit by Night

Chapter 18: If You Only Knew . . .

Chapter 19: Another Miracle

Chapter 20: Fishing for Men

Chapter 21: Driving Out Demons and Diseases

Chapter 22: Rejected by Men

Chapter 23: Healing the Leper and the Lame

Chapter 24: The Dinner Party

Chapter 25: Levi Follows Jesus

Chapter 26: The Lost Son

Chapter 27: A Shrewd Manager

Chapter 28: Lazarus and the Rich Man

Chapter 29: Jesus Chooses Twelve

Chapter 30: ‘Teach Us to Pray’

Chapter 31: The Be Attitudes

Chapter 32: What God Thinks

Chapter 33: Wisdom for Living

Chapter 34: Five Warnings

Chapter 35: The Servant and the Son

Chapter 36: Lord of the Sabbath

Chapter 37: The Worst Sin of All

Chapter 38: Parable of the Sower

Chapter 39: Parable of the Weeds

Chapter 40: Five Parables

Chapter 41: Don’t Look Back

Chapter 42: A Legion of Demons

Chapter 43: A Father’s Plea and a Woman’s Faith

Chapter 44: The Secret No One Can Keep

Chapter 45: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Chapter 46: Doubts About Jesus

Chapter 47: The Dance that Leads to Death

Chapter 48: Appointed by Jesus

Chapter 49: Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

Chapter 50: Walking on Water

Chapter 51: The Bread of Life

Chapter 52: Those Pharisees

Chapter 53: Faith Rewarded

Chapter 54: They Still Don’t Understand

Chapter 55: What the Blind Can See

Chapter 56: Peter Knows

Chapter 57: A Spectacular Surprise

Chapter 58: The Boy with the Evil Spirit

Chapter 59: What’s Great in God’s Eyes

Chapter 60: When It’s Hard to Forgive

Chapter 61: The Leper Who Came Back

Chapter 62: Who Is That Man?

Chapter 63: The Problem with Pharisees

Chapter 64: He Talks Like He’s God

Chapter 65: Blind Since Birth, Blind No More

Chapter 66: Jesus the Good Shepherd

Chapter 67: Time to Make a Choice

Chapter 68: What Pleases God

Chapter 69: The Rich Young Ruler

Chapter 70: Parable of the Workers

Chapter 71: God’s Narrow Door

Chapter 72: Death of a Friend

Chapter 73: The Greatest Miracle

Chapter 74: No Stopping Him Now

Chapter 75: Asking the Wrong Question

Chapter 76: The Blind Beggar

Chapter 77: Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

Chapter 78: Parable of the Ten Minas

Chapter 79: A King’s Entry

Chapter 80: Defending the House of God

Chapter 81: Jesus Answers with a Question

Chapter 82: Parable of the Tenants

Chapter 83: Trying to Trap Jesus

Chapter 84: The Greatest Commandment

Chapter 85: They Watch in Silence

Chapter 86: Seven Woes

Chapter 87: Signs of End Times

Chapter 88: Taken by Surprise

Chapter 89: Parable of the Ten Virgins

Chapter 90: The Sheep and the Goats

Chapter 91: Blessing and Betrayal

Chapter 92: Preparing for Passover

Chapter 93: The Last Supper

Chapter 94: A Startling Prediction

Chapter 95: God’s Comforting Promise

Chapter 96: ‘I Am the Vine’

Chapter 97: Returning to Heaven

Chapter 98: He Prayed for Us

Chapter 99: Garden of Agony

Chapter 100: The Kiss of Death

Chapter 101: Before the Cock Crows

Chapter 102: On Trial

Chapter 103: As the Prophets Predicted

Chapter 104: Standing Before Pilate

Chapter 105: Pilate the Politician

Chapter 106: Pilate’s Dilemma

Chapter 107: King on a Cross

Chapter 108: ‘It Is Finished’

Chapter 109: He Arose!

Chapter 110: Mary and ‘the Gardener’

Chapter 111: On the Road to Emmaus

Chapter 112: The Surprise Visit

Chapter 113: Gone Fishing

Chapter 114: Final Command—Make Disciples

Chapter 115: Connecting the Dots of Destiny

Chapter 116: The Holy Spirit Descends at Pentecost

Chapter 117: A Sign from God

Chapter 118: Better than Silver or Gold

Chapter 119: Showdown with the Sanhedrin

Chapter 120: Spirit of Power, Love, and Revelation

Chapter 121: Obeying God, Proclaiming the Gospel

Chapter 122: Chosen by Men, Commissioned by God

Chapter 123: Stephen’s Divine Appointment

Chapter 124: Christianity’s First Martyr

Chapter 125: Seeds in the Wind, Scattered for a Purpose

Chapter 126: Two Vastly Different Quests

Chapter 127: Saul Sees the Light

Chapter 128: The Most Powerful Argument—Changed Lives

Chapter 129: Peter, Cornelius, and the Gentile Connection

Chapter 130: Surprised by the Spirit

Chapter 131: A Brand Built in Antioch

Chapter 132: The Dynamic Power of Prayer

Chapter 133: Exposing Impostors

Chapter 134: The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 135: Good News Hijacked by Jealousy

Chapter 136: Missions—Communication Clothed in Culture

Chapter 137: Words of Wisdom from James

Chapter 138: The Salvation Debate

Chapter 139: When Obstacles Are Part of the Plan

Chapter 140: Prison Rocks!

Chapter 141: Chased by Skeptics, Charmed by Seekers

Chapter 142: Life and Death Matters at Mar’s Hill

Chapter 143: Friends and Foes Converge in Corinth

Chapter 144: About the Lord’s Return . . .

Chapter 145: Set Free by the Law of Love

Chapter 146: A Spiritual Tag Team

Chapter 147: Stories Spread Like Wildfire

Chapter 148: Putting People on Pedestals

Chapter 149: God Gives Spiritual Gifts

Chapter 150: Love Is . . .

Chapter 151: Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues

Chapter 152: Life After Death—Revealing the Resurrection

Chapter 153: Riot in Ephesus

Chapter 154: The Grace of Giving

Chapter 155: When God Is Revealed—and Rejected

Chapter 156: Righteous or Self-righteous?

Chapter 157: Keepin’ the Faith with Father Abraham

Chapter 158: Opposing Forces—This Means War!

Chapter 159: Ultimate Test of Faith

Chapter 160: The People God Elects

Chapter 161: How to Offer a Living Sacrifice

Chapter 162: Dealing with Danger

Chapter 163: Perilous Plight in Jerusalem

Chapter 164: Saved by a Child

Chapter 165: Crooked Leaders and Broken Justice

Chapter 166: An Audience with King Agrippa

Chapter 167: Hostages of a Deadly Decision

Chapter 168: Jehovah Jireh—Paul’s Provider

Chapter 169: A Life with Purpose

Chapter 170: Freedom and Fresh Starts

Chapter 171: The Secret to Joyful Living

Chapter 172: When Living Stones Connect

Chapter 173: Guidelines for Leadership

Chapter 174: Charlatans in the Church

Chapter 175: Paul’s Final Letter

Chapter 176: Welcome to God’s Entrance

Chapter 177: Why ‘New’ Is Better

Chapter 178: God’s Hall of Faith

Chapter 179: Got Salvation?

Chapter 180: Introducing Revelation and the Seven Churches

Chapter 181: The Throne, the Scroll, and the Lamb

Chapter 182: Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, Two Witnesses

Chapter 183: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Beast

Chapter 184: Seven Bowls—the Seven Last Plagues

Chapter 185: ‘Babylon the Great Is Fallen!’

Chapter 186: He Makes All Things New—Hallelujah!

Scripture References

About the Author

The Bible Clicks in 365 Stories

Introduction

Who is this for, the publisher asked, kids or adults?

It's for people—people read books!

It was the middle of my interview with author Madeleine L'Engle, and I smiled as she recounted to me her exasperating journey in publishing A Wrinkle in Time. Her scenario could just as easily apply to The Bible Clicks. Like Madeleine, I know that people—of all ages—are captivated by compelling stories, and no stories are more intriguing than those portrayed in Scripture, God's storybook for all generations.

The Bible has sold more copies than any other book in the world, yet how many people have read that book cover-to-cover? It is a daunting task because Scripture is like a library, comprised of many smaller books and various genres of writing. But Scripture's rich stories are a gift to all of us, a treasure that should not be buried on dusty shelves. Why not unpack those gems?

The Bible Clicks takes you on a journey through Scripture, traveling from Genesis through Revelation in 365 episodes—stories that appeal to all ages of readers, for all ages of time, using these two portals:

Book One: Stories of Faith, Vision and Courage

from the Old Testament

Book Two: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love

from the New Testament

When you travel through Scripture by way of stories, the Bible clicks. Enjoy the journey!

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Chapter 1: A Child of Destiny

Book 2, TBC Story #180

Luke 1:5-22

When Zechariah the priest entered the temple, he had no idea his whole life was about to change. He and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in the hill country of Judea. They were descendants of Aaron, and they had a reputation for doing what was right. People may have wondered why such a wonderful couple had never been blessed with children.

Every six months Zechariah would stay at the temple for a week to fulfill his duties as a priest. And if a priest were fortunate, he would be selected for the greatest honor of all—to offer incense at the altar, in front of the Most Holy Place.

The priests would cast lots to see who should offer the incense. A priest might serve a whole lifetime and never have the lot fall in his favor. But now the lot fell to Zechariah.

As he entered the Holy Place, Zechariah knew what he wished to pray for. It was difficult for all Jews living in the land of Palestine. It seemed like the whole world had been conquered by the Romans. It was not easy having King Herod rule over them in Judea. But Zechariah could bear all that, if only God would grant this one request. . . .

While Zechariah thought of his heart’s desire, the people remained outside as usual and prayed. They knew he would return to pray a blessing on them, the same blessing priests had prayed ever since the time of Aaron.

No sooner had he placed the incense, when suddenly someone appeared at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was so startled that he could not move. No other person could have entered this holy place. This was God’s sacred dwelling. Only one priest was allowed to enter, and the lot had fallen to him. So who was this?

Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard.

Zechariah stood speechless. Could this really be a messenger from God? How else would he know Zechariah’s silent prayer?

Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, the angel said, and you are to name him John. He will bring you great joy. Many people will rejoice over his birth, for he will become great in God’s sight. He must never take wine, for he is to be set apart to the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born.

Zechariah stood in awe as the angel continued to speak. Because of your son John, many people in Israel will turn back to the Lord their God. He will serve the Lord in a powerful way, filled with the Spirit just as Elijah was. John will turn the people back to the faith of their forefathers. Like Elijah, he will lead God’s people to turn away from their sin. He will prepare them so that when the Lord comes to them, they will be ready to welcome him.

Zechariah could hardly believe what he was hearing. He stared at the angel and asked, How can I know that this really will happen? I and my wife are both so old. . . .

Zechariah wanted a sign. He wanted proof that this message really was from God.

I am Gabriel, the angel answered. I stand in the presence of God, who has sent me to tell you this good news. This was the same angel who had spoken to Daniel five hundred years earlier in Babylon. Since you did not believe my message, Gabriel said, here is the sign to show that what I said will indeed come to pass: From now until the time my message is fulfilled, you will not be able to speak.

Meanwhile, the people waited outside, wondering why Zechariah took so long to return. When he finally appeared, he couldn’t say a word. He motioned with his hands, trying to show what had happened. They didn’t know why he could not speak. But one thing was clear: Zechariah had seen a vision from God.

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Chapter 2: Message from Heaven

Book 2, TBC Story #181

Luke 1:23-56

News spread about the priest who had seen a vision in the temple’s Most Holy Place. When Zechariah finished his week of service, he returned home to his wife, Elizabeth. Using his hands to show what had happened, Zechariah tried to explain about the angel and the message from God.

Not long after this, Elizabeth did indeed become pregnant. With great joy she proclaimed, The Lord has done this for me. He has shown me his favor and taken away my disgrace.

When Elizabeth reached the sixth month of her pregnancy, the angel Gabriel also appeared to another person. This time God sent him to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, with a message for a young woman named Mary. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. Both she and Joseph were descendants of King David.

The angel appeared quite suddenly and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored by God! The Lord is with you.

He appeared so quickly it startled her. But even more startling were his words. What did he mean?

Do not be afraid, Mary, the angel said. You have found favor with God. You will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. Your child will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign forever over the house of Jacob, and his kingdom will never end.

Mary wondered how this could happen. She was still a virgin. There was no way a man could have fathered a child by her. So she asked him, How will this happen, since I am still a virgin?

The angel replied, The Holy Spirit will come upon you in a special way. The power of the Most High will overshadow you, and you will become pregnant. So your baby will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

While Mary thought about his words, the angel continued: Your cousin Elizabeth is also going to have a child. Though she is old and has been barren all these years, she will now give birth. For nothing is impossible with God.

This was truly amazing. But Mary believed him. It would be just like God to do the impossible. She looked up at the angel and replied, I am the Lord’s servant. May the Lord’s will be done in my life, just as you have said. As she finished speaking, the angel left.

What should I do now? Mary thought. Right away, she knew. Quickly she packed some of her belongings. She would go to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Mary hurried to make her way to the small town in the hills of Judea. When she reached her cousin’s door, Mary called out, Elizabeth, are you there?

As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, Elizabeth’s baby began moving vigorously inside her womb, as if he were excited about something. At that moment, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary had only just arrived, and not yet shared her news, when Elizabeth cried out with great joy, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! How is it that the mother of my Lord should favor me with a visit?

As soon as you called out, my baby began kicking for joy inside my womb. Blessed are you, Mary, for you believed the Lord’s message and knew he would surely do what he has said.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Mary sang out her praise to the Lord. For the next three months she would stay with Elizabeth, until the time when Elizabeth’s baby was born.

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Chapter 3: Born with a Mission

Book 2, TBC Story #182

Luke 1:57-80

Nine months passed since Elizabeth had gotten pregnant. Her baby would soon be born. Mary was with her that day when she was ready to deliver. Elizabeth gave birth to a son, just as the angel had predicted. Seldom had a woman this age given birth to a child. Her neighbors knew this baby was surely a gift from God and a sign of his love for them. When they learned she had finally given birth to a son, they, too, were filled with joy.

Eight days later, Elizabeth and Zechariah took the baby to be circumcised. God had instructed Abraham that all baby boys who were his descendants were to be circumcised as a sign of God’s covenant between the Lord and his chosen people.

On the day of circumcision, the father would announce his baby’s name, but Zechariah still could not speak. So one of the men began to present the baby with his father’s name.

No! Elizabeth said. His name is to be John.

John? the man questioned. But no one in your family goes by that name.

In those days, parents often named their child after a relative. The people could hardly believe that this long-awaited child would not be named after his own father. So they turned to Zechariah.

Since Zechariah could not speak, the people had assumed that neither could he hear. So they motioned to him, hoping he could somehow understand them and settle the question. Zechariah reached for a writing tablet. They stared as he began to write down his answer for all to see.

Zechariah held up the tablet, and when they read his message, they were all surprised—that is, everyone except Elizabeth. Very clearly he had written: His name is John.

Immediately Zechariah was able to open his mouth and his tongue was suddenly loosened. He could speak! The first words out of his mouth were joyful shouts of praises to God.

His neighbors watched and listened in amazement. The news soon spread throughout the hill country of Judea. The priest who was made unable to talk could now speak! In his old age, God had given him a son and told him to name the boy John.

Everyone who heard about this family knew that this was a special baby. They began to talk among themselves: "Everything about this baby is unusual. . . .

His parents were so old when they gave birth to him. . . .

I hear the Lord’s messenger told them what to name him. . . .

Surely the Lord has great plans for this child. . . . I wonder what he will be when he grows up? From the time of his birth, people knew the Lord’s hand was upon him.

When God fills a person with his Holy Spirit, he sometimes gives that person the ability to prophesy, that is, to proclaim a message from God. And sometimes, the message comes forth as a song, especially when a person feels very grateful to God.

Zechariah was full of praise to God, and he began to sing out this prophecy: You, my child, will be a prophet of the Most High. You will go before the Lord to prepare for his coming, to give to his people salvation, the forgiveness of sins. . . .

People knew that this baby was destined to serve the Lord. As he grew, it became evident that he had a strong spiritual presence. Yet John did not spend much time at the temple, for he was called to be a prophet, not a priest.

God knew how he would prepare this young man to serve him. When John grew up, the Lord led him to a place where he could hear the voice of God clearly, with few distractions. So until he began his public ministry, John lived in the desert.

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Chapter 4: God Speaks in a Dream

Book 2, TBC Story #183

Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 3:23-38

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he left before she could ask one important question: What would she tell Joseph? Mary and Joseph were planning to be married. The agreement was as binding as marriage itself. The only way to break it was by divorce.

Of course Mary did not want a divorce. But now that she was pregnant, she thought, What will Joseph say? How could he help but think that she had been unfaithful? After all, what woman had ever conceived a child by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Joseph was shocked when he learned the news. How could she do such a thing? he thought. Mary had such a pure heart. He could not imagine her entering into an intimate relationship with another man. But there was no denying she was pregnant.

What was it she said about an angel? Did she really expect him to believe that?

Now what should he do? She had broken their agreement. He had every right to divorce her. But if word got out that she was pregnant by another man, she would be found guilty of adultery. She could be stoned to death. . . . No, he did not want that. The only thing to do would be to divorce her quietly, drawing no attention to her.

That night Joseph lay on his bed with a heavy heart. There was one other thing he could do—he could marry her, right away, before people knew the truth. But when the baby was born, what would they say? They would think he had gotten her pregnant before they were married.

And what about Mary? If she had been unfaithful to him already, how could he trust her after they were married? No. No, this was too much to ask. . . .

Finally Joseph fell asleep. As he slept, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, speaking words of reassurance.

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

All of these things happened just as they were predicted hundreds of years earlier. The Lord had revealed to the prophet Isaiah that one day Israel’s Messiah would be born to a young virgin. Isaiah recorded what the Lord had told him: A virgin will become pregnant, and she will give birth to a son. He will be called Immanuel. He was to be named Jesus, which means Jehovah our Savior. The prophet predicted he would also be thought of as Immanuel, which means God who is with us.

Like Joseph, Mary was a descendant of King David. Her family line could be traced back to David, through his son Nathan. Records of their ancestors traced back to Adam. So in a sense, this special baby was related to all of us, for like him, we are all descendants of Adam.

The Lord intended that Joseph would be a father to Jesus, even though Jesus was not his son. Today we might think of it like a stepfather who adopts his wife’s child as his own. Legally, Joseph would serve as the father of Jesus.

Through Mary, Jesus was physically related to King David. Through Joseph, Jesus was also related legally. For Joseph was a direct descendant through David’s son Solomon, the heir to David’s throne. So through Joseph, too, Jesus was a son of royalty.

When Joseph woke up, the first thing he thought about was his dream. It was still so clear. He could remember every detail. He knew that God sometimes speaks to people through dreams. His heart had been so troubled. Surely the Lord had sent him that dream.

Joseph rose quickly and hurried to find Mary. He told her all about the dream. They agreed to marry right away. Joseph knew God had made him responsible to care for Mary and her infant. Jesus was a special baby, and Joseph would do everything he could to protect him.

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Chapter 5: Good News for the Whole World

Book 2, TBC Story #184

Luke 2:1-20

Caesar Augustus ruled as king over the Roman Empire, and when he issued a decree, no one dared to disobey. He ordered all people in his vast empire to report to the town where their family had its roots. Roman officials would write down their names, and they would learn how many people lived in each region.

This information would indicate how many men could serve as soldiers. It would also force every family to pay taxes to the Roman government. The Jews were not required to serve in the military. But everyone must pay taxes, including Joseph and his very pregnant wife, Mary.

The head of each household had to take his family to his hometown. For Joseph and Mary, this meant traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a small town in Judea. It would take them at least three days to travel that far, perhaps longer since travel would be difficult for Mary.

The small town of Bethlehem was where their ancestors had lived. Their forefather, King David, had grown up in Bethlehem, where the family had lived for many generations.

As they approached Bethlehem, they realized they must hurry. Mary knew that the baby was about to be born.

When they finally arrived, they found the inn was full of travelers. There was no room for anyone, not even a pregnant woman.

Joseph felt helpless. Where could he take Mary? She needed shelter and privacy.

Someone had an idea. There was a stable nearby. . . . It was better than nothing. At least Mary and the baby would be dry and warm. And so it was that in a stable, Mary gave birth to a baby boy. She wrapped him in some cloths and laid him in the manger.

Meanwhile, in the fields that were surrounding Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching over their flock of sheep. It started out like any other night, when suddenly all of them beheld a very bright light.

They shielded their eyes as they stared at the light. Then they saw something that startled them even more—the figure of a person. Could this be an angel of the Lord? The light was incredibly bright. The glory of the Lord shone down on them, and they were terrified.

As they cowered in the brilliant light, the angel called out, Do not be afraid. I have good news for you, news that will bring great joy to all people. Today in Bethlehem, the town of David, a Savior has been born for the sake of all mankind. He is the promised Messiah, the Lord. Here is a sign to show you this is true: You will find the baby there in Bethlehem. He is wrapped up in cloths and lying in a manger.

When the shepherds finally drew back their hands away from their eyes, they suddenly saw a whole host of angels with the one who had spoken to them. And all of them were praising God. They heard the angels calling out: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men, on whom his favor rests.

The shepherds stared as the angels returned to heaven. Then one shepherd shouted, Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see what has happened, what the Lord has told us about. They left their sheep and hurried to town. They found Mary and Joseph with the newborn baby, who was lying in a manger—just as the angel had said. They all stared in amazement.

When they left, they ran to tell everyone about this wonderful event. They told how the angels had appeared to them and how everything the angel said was true. Everyone who heard them was amazed. Why would the Lord send a message like this to a bunch of filthy shepherds? Yet just looking at them, you knew something special really did happen.

People watched as the shepherds returned to their fields, praising God. But no one was more touched by their account than Mary. This night would forever be etched in her heart.

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Chapter 6: A Baby Unlike Any Other

Book 2, TBC Story #185

Luke 2:21-40

Eight days after Mary’s baby was born, Joseph circumcised him and announced what his name would be. That decision was made long before he was born, even before he was conceived in Mary’s womb. The angel who appeared to Mary told her what his name would be, and the angel who spoke to Joseph said the same thing: His name would be Jesus, for he would save his people from their sins. So the Son of God was named by the Lord himself.

About four weeks after the baby was circumcised, Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, and they traveled five miles north to Jerusalem. By then Mary would be allowed to enter the temple courtyard. For a woman who had just given birth was considered unclean. But 33 days after her baby was circumcised, she could then offer a sacrifice and dedicate him to God.

The Law of God required Mary to offer a year-old lamb as a burnt offering and a dove or a pigeon as a sin offering. But since Mary and Joseph were poor, they could offer a pair of doves or young pigeons.

Before the couple arrived, a man named Simeon walked into the temple.  Simeon was known as a righteous man, and he devoted himself to worshiping the Lord. The Holy Spirit would often come upon him. And today, the Holy Spirit had prompted him to enter the temple.

Simeon had longed for the day when the Messiah would come to comfort his people. He desired it so much that the Holy Spirit revealed to him when it would happen: The Messiah will come in your lifetime, Simeon. And you will see him with your own eyes.

When Mary and Joseph entered the temple, Simeon saw them. Then he saw the baby, and right away he knew, This is the One!

As Simeon approached them, he held out his arms to hold the baby. Mary didn’t know what to think. But a voice within reassured her, It’s all right.

Holding the infant, Simeon praised God: Sovereign Lord, he said, you have kept your promise. Now dismiss your servant in peace. For I have now seen your salvation with my own eyes. This child is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.

Joseph and Mary stared in amazement as he spoke prophetically about the baby. He blessed them both. Then he turned toward Mary and said, This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. He will serve as a sign from God, and many will speak against him. Through him, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

Looking into Mary’s eyes, Simeon added, And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.

Mary wondered what he meant by that. But she had little time to ponder. An old woman came up to them. Anna, who was now 84, had made the temple her home, worshiping the Lord day and night. As a young woman, she had been married. But her husband died seven years later. Since then, for more than 50 years, she devoted herself to fasting and praying. And the Lord would often reveal himself to her with prophetic messages.

As soon as she saw the baby, she gave thanks to God. This is the One! she cried. Here is the one who will redeem Jerusalem!

When Mary and Joseph finished making their sacrifices, they left the temple, wondering what they should do next. Should they return to Nazareth? People would be surprised to see the baby. After all, Joseph had taken Mary into his home only six months ago.

And what about the words of Simeon and Anna? The Lord had special plans for this child. Anna had said he would redeem Jerusalem.

What would the Lord have them to do? Perhaps they should raise the child near Jerusalem, in the birthplace of King David, in the town of Bethlehem. . . .

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Chapter 7: The Magi

Book 2, TBC Story #186

Matthew 2:1-12

Something both strange and wonderful began happening in the heavens the night Jesus was born. Far away, in a distant land east of Palestine, men who studied the stars noticed something bright in the night sky. It looked like a star, but—how did it get there? This could mean only one thing—it was a sign from heaven. Something was about to happen that would forever change the world. For years people had spoken of a coming king, one who would rise out of Judea and rule the whole world. There was only one way to find out. They would travel to Jerusalem.

When the men, who were called Magi, arrived in Jerusalem, they quickly made their way to King Herod. Tell us, they said, where is this new ruler, the one who has been born king of the Jews?

Their question caught Herod off guard. So he sent them away while he consulted his officials, who in turn sent for religious scholars, the chief priests and teachers of the Jewish Law.

Tell me, Herod said, where is the Messiah to be born?

They looked at one another a moment. On many of their teachings they did not agree. But on this one point, there was no doubt. The Scriptures foretold this very clearly.

One of them said, The Scriptures say he will be born in Bethlehem in Judea. The prophets recorded: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ "

Herod then dismissed the teachers, the priests, and the officials. Then he secretly sent one of his servants to bring back the Magi.

When the Magi returned, Herod was very interested in all they had to say. He asked them many questions about the star and when they first saw it. Then he told them what the Jewish scholars had said. So I encourage you, he said, to continue your journey to Bethlehem. Search for the child until you find him. And as soon as you do, come back and tell me. For I, too, wish to go and worship him.

After traveling all this way, the Magi were excited about the news given to them by Herod. That star-like object was indeed a sign, just as they suspected. Surely they would find the young king in Bethlehem.

It almost seemed as if the bright object in the sky were leading them. The closer they got to Bethlehem, the nearer the object seemed. Sometimes they lost sight of it. But as they reached the outskirts of Bethlehem, they shouted for joy. There it was again—almost hovering over that small house in the distance.

When they reached the house, they saw the young child with his mother, Mary. She stared at the men, wondering what brought them to her house. It was obvious from their clothes and their caravan that they were from a distant land. Mary stood in disbelief as the men dropped to their knees and bowed down. They were worshiping her son!

Then they looked up and told Mary of their journey and the star that had led them to her house. They presented the young child with presents fit for a king. One by one they brought out gifts made of gold. Then they gave him some precious incense and myrrh.

That night the Magi were filled with joy as they laid down to rest. But as they drifted off to sleep, they were troubled by their dreams. The Lord spoke to them, warning them: Do not go back to Herod. He does not desire to worship the child. He wants only to harm him. You must avoid Jerusalem. Go back to your land by another route. Have nothing to do with Herod.

When they awoke, they discussed the matter and found they were in agreement—they would take another route. They must flee before Herod could find them.

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Chapter 8: Escape to Egypt

Book 2, TBC Story #187

Matthew 2:13-23

The Magi were not the only ones to have a troubled sleep. When Joseph came home that day, Mary had told him all about the Magi, how they had worshipped Jesus. He stared in dismay as she showed him the gifts