An angelic message came to a virgin by the name of Mary–and to her betrothed, Joseph, of a Child, a Son, that she would carry. How wonderful, that their faith, despite men’s probable scorn, made the way for the Savior of this world to be born.

Having arrived in Bethlehem for a census, there was no room in the inn. So the precious gift of God was laid, after His birth, within…a simple bed of hay, away in a manger. His destiny would be that of forgiving sins, healing the sick, and rescuing souls from danger.

But Jesus would also tell the people about the way…to live a life that is blessed, teaching them how to pray. Oh little town of Bethlehem, that night, you were so still…years before He would carry a cross on the way to a Jerusalem hill.

Shepherds, keeping watch over their sheep by night out in a field…were the first to hear of the Savior, whom the angel of the Lord revealed. The Good Shepherd and our Redeemer, Jesus was to be–having come into the world to set the contrite sinner free.

Guided by His star, which they had seen in the sky…some magi were recorded, in the Bible, as, later, coming by…to find “He who has been born King of the Jews,” the One of whom the angel had shared this very good news.

Valuable gold, frankincense, and myrhh…were gifts they presented to Him, who was completely pure. The wise men from the East worshipped the King, the Child–the Son of God and Son of Man–God’s Lamb, born undefiled.

All of this transpired according to God’s plan. Have you received Jesus–this Son of God and Son of Man? Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King! Please don’t delay, for taking Him as Savior and Lord is a gift, for you, that’s greater than anything!

P. A. Oltrogge

“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

“And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38

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“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.’

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

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“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:12-14

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The King James Version relates that Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be taxed. Other translations read that their travel was due to a census. The wise men arrived at a later time/place, going into a house, to see “the young child.”

“…and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11

(Scriptures: King James Version)