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Six months after John was born, JesusJesus was born

-- Right on TimeRight on Time.

Caesar August

us

Decreed that everybody in IsraelIsrael had to pay a tax,

ReturningReturning to the city of their ancestors to do so.

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He thought he was bad.

In the hand of

God.

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Joseph’s people were from BethlehemBethlehem.

Where was Messiah to be born?

God’s Plan alwaysalways comes together.

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What did Joseph thinkJoseph think when he learned that Mary was pregnantpregnant?

He knew he had nothinghe had nothing to do with it.

He thought the same thing you would:

“That girl has been fooling aroundfooling around on me.”

But he took time to think think and pray beforeand pray before he acted!!

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Matthew 1:20-21 ... saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear notfear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghostis of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.

While he was thinkingthinking and prayingpraying,

An angelAn angel came to talk to him in a dream:

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After the dream, Joseph got up, went

and got Marygot Mary, brought her to his home,

Matthew 1:25 And knew her notknew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His Name Jesus.

God well chosewell chose the man to raise His Son!

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Joseph and Mary went to BethlehemBethlehem to pay their taxes.

70 hard miles.

Because of the censuscensus BethlehemBethlehem was filled to

overflowingoverflowing.

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They slept in a manger, where Jesus

was born.

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It was announced to the lowliestlowliest of workmen in the nation.

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Luke 2:8-10 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.

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[11-14] 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; Ye Ye shall find the babeshall find the babe 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.

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They went. They worshipped.

Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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Temple for circumcision

Simeon

Anna

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Each knew instantly that they were seeing Messiahseeing Messiah.

What was notablenotable about these two?

He was just and devout, and waitingwaiting for Messiah.

She never leftnever left the temple, but served God faithfullyfaithfully in fastings and prayers.

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They saw a special starspecial star in the sky one night, and knew its significancesignificance:

The King of kingsKing of kings had been born.

They journeyed to Israel -- arriving probably 2 years later2 years later.

Jesus is described as a young childyoung child,

Not a babe.Not a babe.

They’re living in a househouse,

Not a stable.Not a stable.

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After stopping in Jerusalem at the palace, hoping to find Jesus there,

They came out

Hung so low they could tell the very housevery house where Jesus was.

They worshipped Jesus and returned

home a different way.

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That is the Truth about ChristmasTruth about Christmas.God AlmightyGod Almighty gave His Only Son to leave

Heaven, come to earth, and live as a man.

MessiahMessiah

All who would be savedwould be saved from sin and from hell must put our faith in Jesus Christfaith in Jesus Christ,

Ask God Ask God to save us in the Name of His Son,

And accept His Shed BloodHis Shed Blood to wash away our sins.

He lived a sinless life, and died for the sins of mankind.

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This coming Saturday is December 25, the day we have set aside to celebratecelebrate the birth of Jesus.

Certainly we should enjoy family and friends, eat good food, and exchange gifts; that is a celebration.

But don't take Christ out of Christmas.Remember the ReasonReason for the celebration:

The birth of the Son of GodSon of God on earth.