In the beginning, God made Adam and Eve.
He gave the minds to know him, hearts to love him and ears to listen to his voice.
'Guess how much I love you,' said God.
'All the way round Planet Earth!
'I've planted a beautiful garden for you.
'Eat the fruit from any tree except that one.
'That fruit will make you die...
'I only want the best for you!'
Adam and Eve were best friends with God. But God's enemy wanted to spoil their happiness.
'Guess why God won't let you eat that special fruit. It'll make you as clever as him.
'Go on – you won't really die!'
How SCRUMPTIOUS it looked, how STUPENDOUS to become so clever!
Eve took a bite and so did Adam.
Then how ASHAMED and MISERABLE they felt.
'You'd better leave the garden if you think you know better than me,' said God sadly.
'Now your life will be hard and end in death.'
'Oh no! They spoiled everything when they disobeyed you!' groaned Planet Earth.
'Their children are fighting!'
CRASH, BANG, WALLOP!
'Don't worry, I have a rescue plan,' said God.
'I'm sending my own son to be born on the Earth.
'He'll teach people to love me and listen to my voice.
'They'll be filled to the brim with my peace.'
'Wow! I can't wait for this world-saving baby to be born!'
Planet Earth waited for hundreds of years...
Still humans did things their own way.
But at last –
Earth felt the touch of an angel's step at Mary's house in Nazareth.
'Don't be afraid, Mary! Guess how much God loves you!
'You're to be the mother of his son!
'Name him Jesus which means God saves!'
Mary sang praises to God!
But Joseph, Mary's husband-to-be, shook his head.
So that night an angel whispered into his dreams –
'What Mary says is true. This baby is a gift – with love from God to you.'
But just when the baby was due to be born...
'Time for a census! Go to your home town and be counted!'
So they travelled to Bethlehem where it was BUSY, BUZZING, BURSTING at the seams...
And no room at the inn!
But someone kind said, 'I can give you shelter if you don't mind my animals!'
Jesus was born and Mary wrapped the little bundle of love and laid him in the animals' manger.
Planet Earth began to feel more peaceful.
Nearby, shepherds watched over their sheep...
Suddenly, an angel appeared! LIGHT, WHITE, EYE-BLINKINGLY BRIGHT!
'Don't be afraid! Guess how much God loves you!
'A Saviour has been born for you today.
'You'll find him wrapped up and lying in a manger in Bethlehem.
'Glory to God in the Highest,' sang a choir of angels.
The Shepherd's raced off and found everything just as the angel had said.
'Guess how much God loves you,' they told everyone.
'He's sent his own son to care for you like a shepherd cares for his sheep.'
Then God hung a star in the sky... LIGHT, WHITE, EYE-BLINKINGLY BRIGHT!
Some wise men saw it above Planet Earth.
'Look! The long-awaited king has been born.'
They followed the magnificent star...
Until it stopped over where Jesus was staying.
'Oh, king of kings, we worship you!'
They bowed down offering precious gifts:
ROYAL GOLD and SWEET-SMELLING, NOSE-TICKLING FRANKINCENSE and MYRRH!
Planet Earth BEAMED with joy!
'I can't wait for Jesus to grow up and help humans make friends with you again.
'But what about all the bad things they've done?'
'One day Jesus will carry every wrong away,' said God.
'Anyone who wants to can be friends with me forever.
And don't worry Planet Earth – you won't be left out.'
'Isn't that WONDERFUL!' cried Planet Earth.
'Yes – with love from me to you.'