The original Christmas Story

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Bible Portions: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-23, Luke 1:5-80, 2:1-40

  • Luke 1:5 – 25 – Begins with an aged couple – Zechariah & Elizabeth (like Abraham & Sarah were childless and became parents at old age to John the Baptist) first 5 months was in seclusion.
  • Luke   1:26 – 38 – In Elizabeth’s 6th month, Gabriel (God’s messenger angel) was sent to Nazareth, Galilee to  a virgin named Mary
    • Called the most favoured one of God.
    • V30 – 33 – Prophecy about  the birth of Jesus
    • V34  - 37 – Miracle of virgin Birth –through the holy spirit – child will be called Son of God.
    • Told about Elizabeth
    • 37 – Nothing is impossible for God.
    • 38 – Mary’s acceptance
  • Luke 1:39 – 45 – Mary & Elizabeth
    • Mary travels from Nazareth to a town in Judea
    • Baby John the Baptist kicked in Elizabeth’s womb on hearing Mary’s greeting and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
    • V45 – Elizabeth calls her cousin Blessed
  • Luke 1:46 – 55 – Mary’s Song
  • Luke 1:56 – Mary stays with Elizabeth for the first 3 months; possibly till the birth of John the Baptist and then returns to Nazareth.
  • Luke 1:57 – 80 – Birth of John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit filled Zechariah’s song.
  • Mat 1: 18 – 25 – Joseph’s story
    • Betrothal
    • Discovery about Mary’s conception
    • Thoughts of divorce
    • Intervention from God in a dream
      • Virginal Conception
      • Name Jesus for the Child
      • Promise of Immanuel
    • Obedience to the command  
  • Almost 6 months pass
  • Luke 2:1 -7 – the Birth of Jesus
    • Caesar Augustus (Roman Emperor)
    • Quirinius (Governor of Syria )
    • Census conducted so everyone went to their own towns for registration.
    • Joseph (Descendent of David) took Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem – she was expecting/ due date was near
    • While they were there they did not get any private room at the inn
    • So Jesus was delivered in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloth
  • Luke 2:8 – 20 – Shepherds
    • Nearby fields
    • V10 - Angel of the Lord announcing the birth
    • V11 – Good News – Saviour/Christ is born
    • V12 – Sign
    • V13 – Heavenly choir
    • V15 – 18 – Shepherds go as the Angels said and find everything as the Angels have announced and spread the Word, people are amazed at the news.
  • Luke 2:21 - 24 – On 8th Day Jesus is presented at the Temple to be circumcised and parents provide a pair of doves.
  • Luke 2:25 – 35 – Meeting with prophet Simeon
  • Luke 2:36 – 38 – Meeting with prophetess Anna and return to Nazareth
  • Some time has passed possibly 2 years
  • Mat 2:1 – 12 – Visit of the Magi
    • Saw a star – possibly astrologers – King of Jews
    • Landed near Herod inquiring about the child born to be King of the Jews
    • Herod is disturbed and consults the Chief Priests & Teachers of the Law – “Bethlehem”
    • Magi follow the star to the house where Jesus is born – bowed and give gifts – gold, incense and myrrh
  • Mat 2:13 – 16 – Magi return to their country ; Joseph has dream to Escape into Egypt
  • Mat 2:16 – 18 – Massacre of boys in Bethlehem.
  • Mat 2:19 – 23 – Jesus returns to Nazareth

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