Christian charity removes Bible from simplified Nativity story to avoid confusing children who don't go to church

A Christian charity has removed mention of the Bible and simplified its version of the Nativity story to avoid confusing children who don't go to church. 

The Scripture Union slimmed down its annual book telling the Christmas story, which it aims to send out to 100,000 children, because it said many of them did not know the basics. 

While previous versions have included references to Bible verses and prompts for children to compare the story to the Gospels, this year's story is a simplified nativity which assumes children know very little about the birth of Jesus. 

Jennifer Babb, church and community fundraising manager at the Scripture Union, said the removal of explicit references to the Bible "takes that barrier away - it makes it more of a simple story."

She added: "When we realised that children don't even know the basics of what they are celebrating, then the traditional, simple story is the best way."

This year's booklet, written by Gemma Willis, tells the story of Mary's visit from an angel, Joseph's dream, the couple's travel to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. 

Previous versions have included the visits of the shepherds and the wise men, as well as the family's flight to Egypt and first visit to the temple. 

She said the change had been prompted by figures in recent years showing the scale of the lack of knowledge about the Christmas story among many children. 

For example, one survey carried out in 2014 showed that one in three children between 10 and 13 do not know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. 

One in 10 children also believe that December 25 marks Santa's birthday, according to figures released by the Children's Society in 2013.

Ms Babb added: "We wanted to create something new this year that was specifically designed for the audience of children who might not know the real Christmas story. 

"This is all part of our work to invite children and young people to explore the difference Jesus can make to the challenges and adventures of life."