In the days when Caesar Augustus ruled, God's promise of a Savior was drawing near.
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel told her that she would bear a son and name him Jesus. Mary trusted God and answered, “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she rejoiced. Mary praised God for his goodness and mercy.
Because of the registration, Mary and Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth.
There was no place for them in the inn. In humble surroundings, Mary and Joseph prepared to welcome the child.
Mary gave birth to her son. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger. The Son of God came among us in humility.
An angel told the shepherds that a Savior had been born. They went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the child lying in a manger.
Wise men from the East followed a star and came seeking the newborn King. They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Gospel does not specify how many wise men there were or that they arrived on the night of Jesus' birth.
In Jesus, God draws near to us. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Glory to God in the highest.