-
Introduction
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
-
With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
-
He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
-
He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.
-
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
-
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
-
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
-
He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”
-
Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
-
And everyone went to their own town to register.
-
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
-
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
-
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
-
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),
-
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
-
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
-
so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
-
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
-
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
-
Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
-
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
-
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
-
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
-
And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
-
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
