Luke 2:1 to 2:7 Jesus, the King of heaven, was born in a humble stable because he loves us. Trace the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Understand that Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Thank Jesus for coming into our world in humility. Emperor Augustus ordered a census. Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the historic city of King David. The Long Road to Bethlehem A Roman ruler said everyone had to be counted. [Joseph](/bible/explorer/person/joseph-nt) and Mary packed their bags and walked the long road to [Bethlehem](/bible/explorer/place/bethlehem). Mary was tired because it was almost time for baby Jesus to be born. The little town was crowded with many visitors. No Room at the Inn Joseph knocked on doors looking for a place to rest, but every inn was full. There was no bed for them. Finally, a kind man offered them a warm shelter where animals stayed. Soft hay was spread on the ground, and donkeys and sheep stood nearby. The Prince of Peace Arrives That night, baby Jesus was born! Mary wrapped him snugly in cloths and laid him gently in a manger, an animal feeding box. The Lord of all creation had arrived on earth, not in a royal palace with gold carpets, but in a sweet, quiet stable under the twinkling stars. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. Luke 2:7 In which town was baby Jesus born? Bethlehem Jerusalem Rome Nazareth Bethlehem Luke 2:4 to 7 records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Why was baby Jesus placed in a manger? Because there was no room for them in the inn Because they liked animals better than houses Because a soldier told them to Because they forgot their tent Because there was no room for them in the inn Luke 2:7 explains that there was no guest room available in the inn. What is a manger? A feeding box for animals A baby stroller with wheels A golden royal throne A large boat A feeding box for animals A manger was a box where animals ate their grain and hay. Look at a nativity scene or draw a picture of the baby Jesus in the manger, thanking him for loving us so much that he became small for us. Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a sweet baby. Thank you that you did not demand a palace, but chose a humble stable so that anyone can come near to you. Make room in my heart for you every single day. In your precious name, Amen. Why do you think Jesus chose to be born in a humble stable instead of a rich palace? How can we show Jesus that we have room for him in our hearts and homes? Children discover the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, learning that the King of kings came in lowliness to save all people. Show a piece of clean hay or straw and a soft blanket. Ask children where newborn babies usually sleep, and explain what a manger was! Why didn't someone give up their hotel room for pregnant Mary? Bethlehem was packed with many travelers. God had a special plan for Jesus to be born in a humble place so everyone would know Jesus loves simple people! 5 min Hook & Prayer, 10 min Nativity Story, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 7 min Quiz