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Danielle Erin Betts
visits Baby Jesus

For Our Beautiful Daughter,
Love Mommy and Dady
Merry Christmas 2003

Of all the holidays, Danielle Erin Betts, age 1, of Houston, Texas liked Christmas the best. Kylie, Ben and Robin exchanged presents with Danielle and told Christmas stories about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The star on top of the Christmas tree reminded Danielle of the one that guided the three Wise Men to the Christ Child.

Gazing at the manger scene near the Christmas tree, Danielle thought about following the star with the three Wise Men. Suddenly, a voice called her name.

"Danielle, come with us and follow the star!" said one of the Wise Men. "You may ride with our caravan on this little donkey."

Danielle quickly dressed in traveling clothes and joined the caravan. 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 Baby Jesus.

The king said, "When you find the Child, return and tell me where He lives so I may also worship him."

Danielle remembered Kylie, Ben and Robin 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," Danielle thought.

After the caravan left the palace, she 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 Danielle," said another.

The caravan continued its long journey. The bright star guided the travelers like a beacon of light.

"Kylie, Ben and Robin would enjoy this wonderful journey," thought Danielle.

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, Danielle. 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. Danielle crept close to Jesus and His mother, Mary.

Jesus was making little baby sounds while his mother hummed a lullaby.

"I wish Kylie, Ben and Robin were here to feel God's love," Danielle said.

Mary smiled at Danielle 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. Danielle also felt sleepy.

Finally, a Wise Man gently lifted Danielle onto the little donkey that waited in the Bethlehem night. She quickly fell to sleep during the long ride home.

The Wise Man whispered, "Farewell child. We have brought you home to Houston, Texas."

Danielle 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 manager. Now, Danielle held Jesus close to her heart.