[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2
Bible Verses:
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14)
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
THE BIRTH OF JESUS (vs. 1-7)
Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So, Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to Bethlehem to register. While they were there, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
THE SHEPHERD AND THE ANGELS (vs. 8-20)
While the shepherds were watching their watch by night, an angel appeared and announced to them the birth of Christ who was wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a company of heavenly host appeared praising God saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (v. 14). When the angels left, the shepherd hurried off to see Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Then they spread the news about this child.
Let us take every opportunity to share the good news to the world.
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE (vs. 21-40)
According to the law of Moses, every first born male was to be consecrated to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple on the eight day for circumcision. When Simon, a righteous and devout man saw him, he was moved by the Spirit to take him in his arms and praised God. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
There was also a prophetess Anna of the tribe of Asher who became a widow after 7 years of marriage and was now 84. She never left the temple fasting and praying day and night. She came up to them and gave thanks to God for the child who will redeem Jerusalem. The child grew with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.
THE BOY JESUS AT THE TEMPLE (vs. 41-52)
When Jesus was 12 years old, the family went to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. While on their way home, they discovered that Jesus was not with them. So they went back to Jerusalem and found him in the temple cout listening to the teachers and asking them question. EVeryone who heard him was amazed at his understanding. When Mary told him that they were anxiously searching for him, he replied: “Why are you searching for me. Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (vs. 49). Then they went home to Nazareth. And Jesus grew in wisdom and statute and in favor of God and men (v. 52)
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