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a continuation of My Blog About The Bible |
Many have attempted to write an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who were eyewitnesses and of the Word. Therefore, since i have thoroughly investigated everything from the start it seemed good for me to write an accurate accounting for you Theophilus so that you may know the certainty of the thing you have been told. The Birth of John The Baptist In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged the priestly division of Abijah his wife Elizabeth was also descended from Arron both of them were upright in the sight of the Lord, observing all of God's laws and commandments blameless. however, they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both fairly advanced in age. Once when Zechariah on duty as priest he was selected as was the custom, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense and when the time for the burning of the incense came all of the worshipers were praying outside Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him standing on the right side of the incense when Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. but the angel said to him do not be afraid Zechariah your prayers have been heard your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to name him John and he will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is to never take wine or any other fermented drink. and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. he will bring many of the people of Israel and he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elisha to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make people ready to receive the Lord Zechariah asked the angel How can i be sure of what you are telling me I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years the angel i am Gabriel i stand in the presence of God and I have been sent to tell you this good news, and now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words which will come true at the proper time. Meanwhile the people were waiting and wondering why Zechariah was taking so long in the Temple when he finally came out, he could not speak to them, they realized he had seen something in the temple, for he made signs to them but was unable to speak. when his time of service was done, he went home. after this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for 5 months was in seclusion. she said the lord has done this for me, these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace. The Birth of Jesus Foretold In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth a town in Galilee to a virgin named Mary who was pledged to marry a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. Gabriel went to her and said Greetings you who are highly favored, God is with you. Mary was disturbed by these words and wondered what sort of way that was to greet someone. but the angel said to her Mary do not be afraid you have found favor with the Lord; you will be with child, and you will have a son he will be named Jesus. he will be great, and he will be called the son of the highest. the Lord God will give him the throne of David. and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever. Mary asked How can this be I am a virgin. Gabriel replied that The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the highest will overshadow you so the holy one to be born, will be called the son of God. even your relative Elizabeth is going to have a child and who was said to be barren and is currently in her sixth month for with God everything is possible. Mary replied I am God's servant may it be as you say with that Gabriel left. Mary Visits Elizabth. at that time |