“The Journey to Bethlehem”
A Biblical Story for Children
Theme: God Enables Us to Do What We Can’t
Key Verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
1. A Special Message from Heaven
Mary was a young woman who loved God. One day, the angel Gabriel came to her and said something amazing:
“Thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” — Luke 1:31 (KJV)
Mary was surprised! She wasn’t married yet — but she trusted God. She said:
“Be it unto me according to thy word.” — Luke 1:38 (KJV)
Comment: Mary didn’t understand everything, but she believed God could do the impossible.
2. Joseph’s Dream
Joseph was kind and thoughtful. When he found out Mary was expecting a baby, he didn’t know what to do. But God sent him a message in a dream:
“Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” — Matthew 1:20 (KJV)
Joseph obeyed. He married Mary and took care of her.
Comment: Joseph trusted God even when things didn’t make sense. That’s real courage.
3. A Long, Hard Journey
One day, a law was passed: everyone had to go to their hometown to be counted. Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem, so he and Mary had to travel there.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee…unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.” — Luke 2:4 (KJV)
Mary was very pregnant. The journey was about 70 miles — that’s like walking for days!
Comment: Imagine riding a donkey over bumpy roads, sleeping outside, and being tired and sore. It wasn’t easy — but God gave them strength.
4. No Room in the Inn
When they arrived in Bethlehem, the town was crowded. Every inn was full. Mary needed a place to rest — the baby was coming soon!
“There was no room for them in the inn.” — Luke 2:7 (KJV)
Finally, someone let them stay in a stable — a place where animals slept.
Comment: It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t warm. But it was enough. God provided.
5. The Birth of Jesus
That night, in the quiet of the stable, Mary gave birth to Jesus.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” — Luke 2:7 (KJV)
A manger is a feeding box for animals — not a crib. But Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in the humblest way.
Comment: God didn’t choose a palace. He chose a stable. Jesus came for everyone — rich or poor, big or small.
6. The Shepherds Rejoice
Out in the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared!
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy…For unto you is born this day…a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10–11 (KJV)
The sky filled with angels singing. The shepherds ran to see the baby.
Comment: God told ordinary people first — because Jesus came for ordinary people.
7. Mary Treasured It All
The shepherds told everyone what they saw. But Mary stayed quiet, thinking deeply.
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19 (KJV)
She remembered the angel’s words, the journey, the manger, and the miracle.
Comment: Sometimes we don’t understand everything right away — but we can treasure what God does.
8. God Gave Strength
Mary and Joseph didn’t have comfort, ease, or perfect plans. But they had God. And He gave them strength.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Comment: When things are hard, we can remember: God helps us do what we can’t do alone.
9. What We Learn
God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary things.
Trusting God doesn’t mean life is easy — it means He walks with us.
Jesus came in a humble way to show His love for all.
10. A Prayer for Children
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for coming to earth.
Thank You for Mary and Joseph’s courage.
Help me trust You when things are hard.
Give me strength to follow You every day.
Amen.
Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©
When Life Feels Different — God Has a Plan
Sometimes things are hard. Sometimes we feel lonely. Sometimes we look around and wonder, “Why is my life different than everyone else’s?”
But God sees what we don’t. He knows what we can’t. And He has a plan — even when we feel forgotten.
Just ask Mary and Joseph.
They didn’t have a fancy house. They didn’t have a smooth journey. They didn’t even have a room when Jesus was born.
“There was no room for them in the inn.” — Luke 2:7 (KJV)
But they had something better: They had God’s presence. And that made all the difference.
God chose them — not because they were rich or powerful, but because they were willing.
“Surely I will be with thee.” — Judges 6:16 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Just like Gideon, Moses, Ruth, David, and Esther — God uses people who feel small, scared, or different.
So if your life feels unusual, if your path feels harder than most, if your heart feels lonely…
Remember this: God has a plan. And He hasn’t forgotten you.
He’s writing a story — and you’re part of it.
Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©
❓✨ TRIVIA QUESTIONS: Mary & Joseph’s Journey + Song Theme
- What town did Mary and Joseph travel to for the census?
- Who was the Roman ruler that ordered the census?
- How far did Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem?
- What animal did Mary likely ride on during the journey?
- What Bible verse says “There was no room for them in the inn”?
- What book of the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth?
- What was Joseph’s occupation?
- What was Mary’s response to the angel’s message?
- What did the angel say Mary’s baby would be named?
- What does Philippians 4:13 say?
- What kind of place did Mary and Joseph stay in when they arrived?
- What was Jesus laid in after He was born?
- Who were the first people to hear about Jesus’ birth?
- What did the angels say to the shepherds?
- What did Mary do with all the things she saw and heard?
- What does the song “God Understands… He Has a Plan” remind us of?
- What kind of feelings does the song talk about?
- What does the song say God holds in His hand?
- What Bible character said “I am the least in my father’s house”?
- What does the song say God does when we feel weak?
✅ ANSWER KEY
- Bethlehem
- Caesar Augustus
- About 70 miles
- A donkey
- Luke 2:7
- Luke
- Carpenter
- “Be it unto me according to thy word.” — Luke 1:38
- Jesus — Luke 1:31
- “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13
- A stable
- A manger
- Shepherds
- “I bring you good tidings of great joy…” — Luke 2:10
- She pondered them in her heart — Luke 2:19
- That God sees us, knows us, and walks with us
- Feeling small, scared, lonely, or unsure
- Tomorrow
- Gideon — Judges 6:15
- He helps us stand
Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©
