Home » Reading & Literature » Books for Kids » The Animals' First Christmas

The Animals' First Christmas

© Mary M. Alward

This is a story that I wrote myself, kids. I hope you enjoy it.

It was a beautiful night in the forest. A white blanket of fresh snow sparkled in the moonlight. A full moon smiled down from its lofty perch in the night sky.

The forest animals had gathered in a clearing near the edge of the woods. A bright star twinkled in the eastern sky. It was the brightest star they had ever seen.

The animals knew that this was a special night, but weren't sure why. They supposed it had something to do with the star.

All of the animals were there: deer, wolves, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, mice, cardinals and bluejays. Owl had even taken time out from his nightly hunting to perch in a tree and gaze at the magnificent star. Though he had lived many years and was wise as could be, he had no inkling (idea) why the forest was filled with the magical atmosphere (feeling).

The animals all agreed that there was something special about this night. They had all been born in the forest and had lived there all of their lives. They had never seen anything so spectacular as the star that blazed in the east.

Lights of white and green swept over the snow. The animals had seen this phenomena before and knew it was the magical lights that swept over the land from the north. They were amazing at any time, but accompanied by the star, they filled the forest with wonder.

Curiousity lead the animals to walk up the hill toward the star. They tingled with excitement. Somehow, they knew that the special meaning of the star would be revealed.

At the top of the hill, they stopped. Before them stood a stable bathed in light from the star. In the stable, a newborn lamb lay beside his mother. Close by, his father hovered protectively.

Instantly, the animals knew that the newborn lamb was the Lamb of God. He had been born to bring God's Word to the animals of the forest.

This was the animals' first Christmas. They never forgot the miracle that occured in the forest that magical night. Each year, the forest animals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve in honor of that special gift that God sent them so many years ago.

copyright (c) 2004 by Mary M. Alward. Please do not use without permission.

The source for the graphic at the top of this page is unknown. To the best of my knowledge, it is public domain.

The copyright of the article The Animals' First Christmas in Books for Kids is owned by Mary M. Alward. Permission to republish The Animals' First Christmas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.