Saturday, December 23, 2006

The Birth of Jesus


.... And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed (Luke 2:1).

.... "There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom . . . "

(Daniel 11:20 - 537 B.C.)

.... So everyone went to be taxed, each to his own city; and Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem (for he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, who was great with child.
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... And so it was that, while they were in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered (Luke 2:3-6):

.... "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

(Micah 5:2 - 704 B.C.)

.... But no room was made for them at the inn, so Mary brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. As it was spoken by the prophet:

.... "The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people do not consider."

(Isaiah 1:3 - 732 B.C.)