Ages 5+·4 min read··By Faithful Kids Team·Updated August 16, 2026
The real Christmas story is better than any movie. Angels, a star, shepherds, wise men, and a baby born in the humblest place imaginable. Here are 10 Bible stories that tell the complete birth of Jesus, from the angel visiting Mary to the wise men following the star. If your child is full of questions about the season, our guide on how to explain Christmas to a child pairs perfectly with these stories.
The Complete Christmas Story in 10 Episodes
1. An Angel Visits Mary
The angel Gabriel appears to a young woman named Mary. "Do not be afraid. You will have a son, and you will call him Jesus." Mary says yes.
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2. Joseph and the Angel
Joseph is confused and afraid. An angel visits him in a dream: "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child is from God."
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3. The Journey to Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for a census. Mary is about to have a baby. There is no room at the inn.
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4. Born in a Manger
Jesus is born in a stable. Mary wraps him in cloths and places him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The King of the universe enters the world in the humblest way possible.
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5. The Shepherds
Angels appear to shepherds in the fields at night. "Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy!" The shepherds rush to see the baby.
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6. The Wise Men
Wise men from the East follow a star to find the newborn king. They bring gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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7. Escape to Egypt
An angel warns Joseph: "Herod is searching for the child. Flee to Egypt." The family escapes in the night.
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8. Young Jesus in the Temple
Years later, 12-year-old Jesus is found in the temple, discussing Scripture with teachers. They are amazed by His understanding.
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9. John the Baptist
John prepares the way for Jesus, baptizing people in the river and telling everyone: "Someone greater than me is coming."
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10. The Baptism of Jesus
Note: The baptism happens about 30 years after Jesus' birth, but it completes the Birth of Jesus series by showing Jesus stepping into His public ministry. Jesus comes to John to be baptized. As He comes out of the water, God's voice says: "This is my Son, whom I love."
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There is also a free set of Christmas coloring pages on our site, drawn for crayons and ready to print.
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Watch Born in a Manger Come Alive
Born in a Manger is one of 300+ short narrated video lessons your child will love. Watch the whole episode right here — in the app, every lesson ends with a fun quiz to check what they learned.
A real lesson from the app — watch the whole thing free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I teach my child the Christmas story?
Start in late November as Advent begins. Watch one episode per day during the 10 days before Christmas for a meaningful countdown. For the season leading up to it, see what Advent means for kids and these Advent activities for kids.
What is the real Christmas story in the Bible?
The birth of Jesus is told in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. It includes the angel visiting Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, Jesus born in a manger, shepherds, wise men, and the escape to Egypt.
For the season's readings, print the free Advent Bible calendar: 25 days of Scripture, prophecy to nativity, on one sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I teach my child the Christmas story?
Start in late November as Advent begins. Watch one episode per day during the 10 days before Christmas for a meaningful countdown. For the season leading up to it, see what Advent means for kids and these Advent activities for kids.
What is the real Christmas story in the Bible?
The birth of Jesus is told in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. It includes the angel visiting Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, Jesus born in a manger, shepherds, wise men, and the escape to Egypt.
For the season's readings, print the free Advent Bible calendar: 25 days of Scripture, prophecy to nativity, on one sheet.
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