Matthew 1 and 2

Christmas Story (Matthew 1 & 2)

Birth Foretold:

Mary was pledged to marry Joseph, but before they were married, the angel, Gabriel came to Mary and said, "You are highly beloved; the Lord is with you." Mary was afraid. The angel said, "Do not be afraid." You are going to have a baby Son and you will call His name Jesus." "How can this be?" Mary said. "I am a virgin." Gabriel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you. The Holy Son of God will be born." "For nothing is impossible with God."

An angel also appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit," All this happened to fulfill the promise of a Messiah.

Matthew 1: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, "Which means God with us." (NIV)

When Joseph woke up he went to Mary and they were married.

Mary's praise

Later Mary went to see Elizabeth and they rejoiced together. Mary was so overwhelmed by the honor given her that she rejoiced and sang a song of praise to God.

The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2)

During that time a census was to be taken of the whole Roman World. Joseph took Mary and went to register. When they got to Bethlehem there was no place for them at the Inn so they went to a stable and that is where Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him in warm clothes and made a cozy bed for him in a feedbox.

Rejoicing in Christ's Birth:

The Shepherds praise

The shepherds living in the fields were watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The shepherds were terrified. The angel said, "Do not be afraid, I am bringing you good news, Tonight your Savior was born in Bethlehem. He is Christ the Lord." Then the angels sang, "Glory to God in heaven." When the angels left, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. They found the baby with Mary and Joseph. The shepherds were amazed! they returned to the fields praising God.

Simeon's Praise

Luke 2:26 "The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before saw the Christ." (Hosanna Bible)

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple. There was a man named Simeon. He was looking for the coming Savior. When Simeon saw Jesus with Mary and Joseph he took Jesus in his arms and said, "Lord, now I can die in peace. I have seen the Savior." He blessed them. He was very happy. A prophetess named Anna went up to Joseph, Mary and Jesus and gave thanks for Jesus and told all that God's promised Messiah had come.

The Wise Men praise

Matthew 2: 10, 11 "When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy. they went to the house where the child was,...They bowed down and worshipped the child." (Hosanna Bible)

Mary and Joseph returned to Bethlehem. Wise men came from a faraway land to worship Jesus. They saw a strange star in the east shining in the sky. The wise men believed the star meant a king was born. When king Herod heard this he was upset. He tried to find out where Jesus was. He wanted to kill Him because he thought Jesus was going to take his throne..

The wise men followed the star to where Jesus was born. The wise men were filled with joy. They bowed down and worshiped Jesus. They gave Him precious gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. They never went back to tell king Herod where Jesus was.

Luke 2: 40 "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him."

vpaver@paversnest.com

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