Hello everyone. This week we want to tell you the story about the origin of Christmas.

This is a story from the Christian faith, but its cultural impact on the world at large

cannot be overstated. So whether you're religious or not, there are things to learn and enjoy

in this classic story about the birth of a very important little baby.

We hope you like it!

Hi, I'm Landon Wittsen, and I host an episode of Who's Amazing Life, a Wondery podcast

for kids and families. In the plant doctor, you've always loved plants, but when you leave

home in search of new opportunities, you discover that your passion for bulbs and blooms can

help others, and maybe even change the world. Listen to the plant doctor and other incredible

stories from Who's Amazing Life on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

And now the first Christmas.

Long ago, when the King Herod ruled the Kingdom of Judea, God looked down on the people of

the earth, his creation, and knew that only through his son could they be welcomed into

his kingdom of heaven. He summoned to him the herald angel Gabriel, swiftest and truest

of the Archangels, and gave him a special mission. Gabriel was to fly to the small city of Nazareth,

in truth a village of no more than 500 people, and deliver a message to Mary, the betrothed

of Joseph. In the village, Mary sat quietly on her small porch, watching the stars, and

thinking of how it would be to be married to Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter, and his hands

were always rough and calloused with the work, but his voice was soft in his demeanor gentle.

In truth, he was a good man, and Mary couldn't wait to be his wife.

As she sat, deep and thought, the night sky went black above her. You would think her

heart would have frozen with fear, but she only felt a deep sense of peace and serenity.

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