Lamplighters

The Angel Gabriel was sent by God, to the city of Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.  The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

“You will conceive and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  He will reign forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said, “How can this be since I do not know a man?”  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and will overshadow you; therefore, the Holy One born will be called the Son of God.”

Joseph went to Bethlehem, the city of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  While they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

She brought forth her first born Son, wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger.  Shepherds, watching their flock, saw an angel of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord shone.  The angel said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men of grace!”

The shepherds came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Behold, the virgin shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, interpreted, “God with us.”

On the eighth day, the Child was named JESUS, who was so named by the angel of the Lord, before He was conceived in the womb.  As He was presented to the Lord, a just and devout man, came by the Spirit into the temple, took Him up in his arms, and said, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” And there was a prophetess; a widow of great age who never departed from the temple, praying night and day.  She gave thanks and spoke of Him to all that looked for redemption.

Lo, the star which the wise men saw in the East, went before them until it came and stood over where Jesus lived.  When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  When they were in the house, they saw the young Child with His mother, fell down and worshipped Him: then they opened their treasures and presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.