Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.