The most precious gift.
Jesus is born!
Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.
At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior. Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
The Scripture
The Birth Of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His Mother Mary was espoused (engaged) to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying, Behold, a Virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. And knew her not till she had brought forth her Firstborn Son: and he called His Name JESUS.
The Visit Of The Magi From The East
Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came Wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He Who is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His Star to the east, and are come to worship Him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the Chief Priests and Scribes of the people together, he demanded of the where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the Prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the Land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a Governor, Who shall rule My people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the Wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found Him, bring me word again; that I may come and worship Him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, the rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they say the young Child with Mary His Mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The Birth Of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her Firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Angelic Announcement
Luke 2:8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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.
The Shepherds
Luke 2:15-20
And it came to pass, ass the Angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the Shepherds said one to another, Let us not go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all they who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The Naming Of Jesus
Luke 2:21-24
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.