Blue text is where the information you provide will be placed.
Jack Staub
visits Baby Jesus ©Best
Love, Grandma and Grandpa July 17, 2002
Of all the holidays, Jack Straub, age 8, of Paterson, New Jersey, liked Christmas the best. Ralph, Paul and Alex exchanged presents with Jack and told Christmas stories about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
The star on top of the Christmas tree reminded Jack of the one that guided the three Wise Men to the Christ Child.
Gazing at the manger scene near the Christmas tree, Jack thought about following the star with the three Wise Men. Suddenly, a voice called his name.
"Jack, come with us and follow the star!" said one of the Wise Men. "You may ride with our caravan on this little donkey."
Jack quickly dressed in traveling clothes and joined the caravan. The bright star shone a silver path in the night.
After riding a long way, they arrived in Jerusalem. King Herod commanded his servants to bring them to the palace.
The Wise Men told Herod they were following the bright star to find BabyJesus.
The king said, "When you find the Child, return and tell me where He lives so Imay also worship Him."
Jack remembered Ralph, Paul and Alex saying that Herod was afraid Jesus would one day be king, and that Herod really planned to destroy Baby Jesus.
"I must tell the Wise Men about what Herod intends to do," Jack thought.
After the caravan left the palace, he explained Herod's evil plan to the Wise Men.
"That scoundrel! In that case, we won't tell anyone where to find the Child," said one Wise Man.
"Jesus will be safe, thanks to Jack," added another.
The caravan continued its long journey. The bright star guided the travelers like a beacon of light.
"Ralph, Paul and Alex would enjoy this wonderful journey," thought Jack. Finally, the bright ray of light pointed to the small town of Bethlehem. Sheep, horses and cows silently welcomed the caravan. Joseph opened the door and invited the travelers inside. "Welcome, Jack. You have journeyed from a distant land," said Joseph.
The Wise Men entered and bowed low before Mary and Baby Jesus. They presented costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Jack crept close to Jesus and His mother, Mary.
Jesus was making little baby sounds while his mother hummed a lullaby. "I wish Ralph, Paul and Alex were here to feel God's love," Jack said. Mary smiled at Jack and said, "You can always feel God's love if you keep Him close to your heart."
The glow of light around the Holy Family became soft and golden. Jesus slept soundly in his mother's arms. Jack also felt sleepy.
Finally, a Wise Man gently lifted Jack onto the little donkey that waited in the Bethlehem night. He quickly fell to sleep during the long ride home.
The Wise Man whispered, "Farewell, child. We have brought you home to Paterson, New Jersey."
Jack could see that the manger scene near the Christmas tree had changed. The three Wise Men had presented their costly gifts, and the little donkey stood nearby. But Baby Jesus was no longer just lying in the manger. Now, Jack held Jesus close to his heart.
