From: "FamilyNet" 

The Christmas Story

Luke 2
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [2] (And this taxing
was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) [3] And all went to be
taxed, every one into his own city. [4] 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:) [5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child. [6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.
[7] 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.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] 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. [10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11]
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [13] And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told
them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. [20]
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. [21] 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.
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses
were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) [24] And to offer a sacrifice
according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of
turtledoves, or two young pigeons. [25] And, behold, there was a man in
Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout,
waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. [27] And he came by the Spirit
into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for
him after the custom of the law, [28] Then took he him up in his arms, and
blessed God, and said, [29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, according to thy word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, [31] Which thou hast prepared
before the face of all people; [32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and
the glory of thy people Israel. [33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at
those things which were spoken of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a
sign which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. [36] And there was one Anna, a
prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a
great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed
not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and
day. [38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the
Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. [40] And the
child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace
of God was upon him.
[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast.
[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child
Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of
it. [44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's
journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. [45]
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking
him.
[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking
them questions.
[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,
Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing.
[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I
must be about my Father's business? [50] And they understood not the saying
which he spake unto them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to
Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings
in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour
with God and man.


-+-

http://www.baptistbarter.com - Free Baptist Bartering Exchange

http://www.baptist-ministries.org - Independent Baptist Web Portal

http://www.christian-wellness.com - dedicated to your physical, spiritual,
and financial well being (Online Mall).

--- BBBS/NT v4.01 Flag-5