ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Awnie's House ???? Kids Book Read Aloud: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT by Keith Christopher and Christine Kornacki
Hello, everyone! It’s Ani here, and I want to say a big hello to some very special people: my grandchildren Blake, Callie, Lil Nexus, Nilo, and Noah! I love you all so much and miss you every day. Even though we live far apart, I can’t wait until we can be together again soon.
Today, I have a wonderful Christmas story to share with you. It’s called “The First Christmas Night,” written by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki. If you have the book, grab it so you can read along with me!
Long ago, on the very first Christmas night, the town was quiet and peaceful. The moon shone brightly in the sky over Bethlehem, making everything look magical. The animals were cozy and happy in their warm spots, and Mary and Joseph, who were very tired from their journey, found a simple place to rest.
Mary and Joseph had traveled carefully to Bethlehem because they knew their baby would be born soon. In a stable, the baby let out his first cry, bringing peace and joy to the world. He didn’t have a crib, so he slept in a manger. Mary looked at her baby with love, counting his ten tiny fingers and toes.
Nearby, some shepherds were watching over their sheep on a quiet hill. Suddenly, the sky filled with angels, bringing amazing news: a savior had been born! The shepherds were excited and hurried to see the baby and his sweet face.
Far away, some wise men saw a special star in the sky. They knew it meant a savior had been born, so they traveled to find him. When they arrived, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the baby. The wise men were so happy to see him and praised his name.
Everyone who heard the news was filled with joy because Jesus was born on that first Christmas night. I am so thankful for Jesus because he brings hope and love into my life. Merry Christmas to all of you! I’m so glad you’re part of my life, and I can’t wait to share more stories with you next time!
Create Your Own Nativity Scene: Gather some simple materials like paper, crayons, and small boxes. Encourage the children to create their own nativity scene by drawing or crafting figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men. They can use the boxes to make a stable. Ask them to think about how each character felt on that special night and share their thoughts with the class.
Star Gazing Adventure: On a clear night, go outside with a parent or guardian and look up at the stars. Try to find the brightest star in the sky, just like the wise men did. Talk about how the star guided them to baby Jesus. Discuss with your family or friends what it would be like to follow a star and what kind of journey you might have.
Gift of Kindness: Just like the wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus, think of a simple gift or act of kindness you can give to someone in your life. It could be drawing a picture, helping with chores, or sharing a toy. After you give your gift, talk about how it made you feel and how it might have made the other person feel.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hello, my reading friends! It’s Ani. I want to start by giving a shout-out to six very special people in my life: my grandchildren. So, hello to Blake, Callie, Lil Nexus, Nilo, and Noah! I love you all with all my grandma heart, and I miss you so much. It’s very hard to live so far away from all of you, but I’m looking forward to the time when we’ll all be together again soon.
I have a very special Christmas story for you and for all of my reading friends. It’s called “The First Christmas Night.” If you have a copy, go get it so you can read along with me.
[Music]
“The First Christmas Night,” written by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” – Isaiah 9:6
It was the very first Christmas when all through the town, not a creature was stirring, there was not a sound. The moon shining bright in the heavens so high gave the luster of midday to the Bethlehem sky. The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places, with looks of contentment on each of their faces. And Mary and Joseph, so tired from the road, had just settled in to a humble abode.
To a Bethlehem stable, they had traveled with care; they knew that their baby soon would be there. And then in the stable, a baby’s first cry: peace on earth, goodwill, redemption is nigh. He had not a crib, but in a manger instead, the tiny new baby lay down his sweet head. Mary looked down at his cute little nose and silently counted ten fingers, ten toes.
As shepherds kept watch on a small nearby hill, their sheep were all silent and sleepy and still. When suddenly in the sky there arose such a sight: one angel, then many, appeared in the night. The heavens rejoiced as their story unfurled: a baby, a savior, had been born to the world. So the shepherds arose to search for the place to get a close look at the baby’s sweet face.
Then out of the east there came royalty, whose mission was finding the savior, you see. When they finally found the babe they had sought, gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the gifts that they brought. So the wise men bowed down and praised his sweet name. Soon all those who heard would rejoice that he came. And now we that know can say with delight: Jesus was born on that first Christmas night.
You know, I am very thankful that Jesus was born. He gives me hope and fills my life with love and meaning. Merry Christmas to all of you! I’m very grateful that you’re all a part of my life. See you next time!
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