Baby Jesus and Me
In this book, there is a full color picture on every page.
Your personalized data replaces words in red.
But will NOT be in red in the book.
This Book Is About You!
Zachary Richardson
Age 11
With Love From,
Mom
2004
Page 3
Zachary Richardson heard about the live nativity in Austin. Zach asked Bryce and Benjamin to go with him. On the way they talked about the gifts the wise men gave to Baby Jesus. Zach wondered if that was why people gave gifts on Christmas.
Page 4
It was evening when Zach arrived at the live nativity with Bryce and Benjamin. They saw many stars twinkling, but in the east, one silver star shined the brightest. It reminded them of the first Christmas, when the eastern star led the three wise men and shepherds to Baby Jesus.
Page 5
Suddenly a change came over the live nativity. Everything around them became real. All of the cars disappeared, along with the parking lot. "Baah! Baah!" Zach whirled around and saw sheep grazing on a green meadow. Bryce and Benjamin pointed at two shepherds leaning on their staffs. "Wow, those are real shepherds! ‘Where are we?" asked Bryce and Benjamin. Zach said, "I don’t know how we got here, but I think we are back in the time of Jesus!"
Page 6
Just then a brilliant flash of light burst across the sky. Everyone hugged each other and crouched with the shepherds. Everyone was afraid. A beautiful angel appeared. "Fear not," the angel said, "for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord."
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Then angels filled the sky singing, "Glory to God in the highest," and the shepherds were no longer afraid. They began to follow the star and Zach followed the shepherds, along with Bryce and Benjamin.
Page 9
Along the way, they met three wise men. "Look at the beautiful silk robes," said Bryce and Benjamin. Zach admired the treasures the wise men carried. "We are bringing gifts for the newborn King," the wise men said. Zach wanted to give a special gift to Baby Jesus, too.
Page 10
Zach and Bryce and Benjamin hurried toward the lights of Bethlehem. The star hung over the city. They saw many other travelers on the road.
Page 11
The star led them past the crowded inns. They walked through the dusty streets. Zach ran and touched the soft cloth and smooth clay pots the merchants were selling.
Page 12
At last the star came to rest over a small stable. Zach saw an angel above the door, spreading its wings in welcome. They heard the gentle sounds of a newborn baby. A soft, golden glow came from inside and spilled into the dark night. Zach, alongside Bryce and Benjamin, looked into the stable and saw a little donkey, an ox and some lambs. Then they saw Mary and Joseph.
Page 13
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And in front of Mary, Joseph, and the animals lay a new baby swaddled in white cloth. Mary looked up at Zach and said, "Behold the Baby Jesus."
Page 15
They watched as the wise men presented their treasures. "Look at the shiny gold," Bryce and Benjamin said. Zach asked one of the shepherds, "Is that frankincense and myrrh?" The shepherd nodded. "Yes, those are very valuable perfumes."
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Seeing the wise men and the shepherds on their knees before Jesus, everyone bowed. Likewise, the animals lay down in front of the manger, all in honor of the newborn King. Filled with love, Zach began to sing "Silent Night, Holy Night" as Bryce and Benjamin joined in. As they sang, love filled the stable. Then, just as suddenly as before, they were back at the live nativity.
Page 18
Zach knew then that the true meaning of Christmas was not only gifts, but also the love shared by all on the Lord’s birthday. And the star in the east shined ever more brightly.
