"The Miracle of Christmas"
Matthew 1 (NASB)
1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.4 Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.6 Jesse was the father of David the king.7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah.11 Josiah became the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.12 After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.14 Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob.16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:23 BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, which translated means, GOD WITH US.24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife,25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
Luke 2 (NASB)
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD),24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ.27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,29 Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in 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 became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a days journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.49 And He said to them, Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Fathers house?50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Romans 10 (NASB)
1 Brethren, my hearts desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.3 For not knowing about Gods righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN? (that is, to bring Christ down),7 or WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).8 But what does it say? THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.11 For the Scripture says, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;13 for WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION, BY A NATION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WILL I ANGER YOU.20 And Isaiah is very bold and says, I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME, I BECAME MANIFEST TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.21 But as for Israel He says, ALL THE DAY LONG I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.
1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.4 Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.6 Jesse was the father of David the king.7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah.11 Josiah became the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.12 After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.14 Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob.16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:23 BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, which translated means, GOD WITH US.24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife,25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
Luke 2 (NASB)
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD),24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ.27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,29 Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in 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 became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a days journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.49 And He said to them, Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Fathers house?50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Romans 10 (NASB)
1 Brethren, my hearts desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.3 For not knowing about Gods righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN? (that is, to bring Christ down),7 or WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).8 But what does it say? THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.11 For the Scripture says, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;13 for WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION, BY A NATION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WILL I ANGER YOU.20 And Isaiah is very bold and says, I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME, I BECAME MANIFEST TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.21 But as for Israel He says, ALL THE DAY LONG I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.