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Birth of Jesus

Genealogy and Jewish Heritage

Rahab: Harlot, Liar... Ancestor of Jesus? Ray Pritchard

Think about that. A Harlot, a Canaanite and a liar. You wouldn’t think she would have much chance of making the list, but there she is.

Who Was King Herod? Greg Laurie

Many people know King Herod as the villain of Christmas. What do we know about this tyrant from history?

Jesus: The Consolation of Israel? Ray Pritchard

For generations the promises were repeated—from father to son, from mother to daughter, from family to family, from the older to the younger, and Jewish children were taught to pray for the Messiah’s appearance. By the time you get to the first century, you have all these centuries of expectation built up.

Would Herod Have Taxed on the Order of Rome? Samuel James Andrews

The objection is vigorously urged that Herod was a rex socius — an allied king, and that all taxes in his dominion must, therefore, have been levied by himself.

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Roman World

The Seven Centurions of the New Testament? G. Campbell Morgan

As we read we grow familiar with Roman armies, with cohorts, legions, and bands; with captains, centurions, and soldiers. We meet with seven centurions.

Three World Powers with No Room for a Savior? G. Campbell Morgan

The three great world forces when Jesus came were the Roman, the Greek, and the Hebrew.

King Herod: Then and Now? Greg Laurie

Herods by the dozens sit in the pews of many churches today.

An Empire Ready for a Savior? Matthew Henry

Several things may be gathered out of Luke 2:1-7 that reveal to us that it was the proper time for the Savior to come.

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Mary and Joseph

Should Christians Pray to Mary? Sam Allberry

Mary, the mother of Jesus, certainly deserves our admiration for her faithful obedience to God. But should we pray to her as an intercessor?

Joseph Teaches Us to Respond to Disappointment? Charles Stanley

To find examples of wise, godly reactions to disappointment, you’re more likely to turn to Psalms than to Matthew. But the very first chapter in the New Testament tells the story of an upright man’s reaction to painful and disheartening news.

The First Christmas Began with... Pain? Jack Graham

What a scandal. . . A respected local carpenter is engaged to a young peasant woman when all of a sudden, she turns up pregnant!

Were Mary and Joseph Just Engaged? Doug Bookman

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Bethlehem

From the Exodus to Bethlehem? Adrian Rogers

Did you know that for centuries Passover lambs were raised in Bethlehem? How fitting that Mary's Lamb, God's perfect Lamb, the Lord Jesus, would be born there!

A Planned Arrival at Bethlehem? Dr. Ray Pritchard

God had prepared all of history from the beginning; he had set the stage for the entrance of his Son into the world at Bethlehem.

What Was Jesus Doing before He Was Born in Bethlehem?

When we try to wrap our minds around this reality, one of the questions that arises is what was Jesus doing before he was born in Bethlehem? While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive answer, it does give us some indications.

Was Jesus Really Born on December 25? Ray Pritchard

Was Jesus really born on December 25? Or was this a pagan celebration? Each year the question comes up and each year the answer is the same.

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Shepherds and Angels

What Message Did the Angels Bring? Greg Laurie

We were on our way to a certain judgment, but God sent Jesus. Because of His death and His shed blood, we have now been reconciled with God.

Glory for the Humble? John Barnett

The Shepherds of the Christmas story give us such a profound lesson.

A Night of Great Joy? Charles Stanley

Imagine the shepherds from the first Christmas night going home and trying to get some sleep after having a visitation from angels.

The Angels Came First to Shepherds? J.C. Ryle

The birth of a king's son is generally made an occasion of public reveling and rejoicing. The announcement of the birth of the Prince of Peace was made privately.

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Star and Magi

Why Don't the Other Gospels Mention the Magi? A.W. Pink

In Matthew 2 there's an incident recorded which is entirely passed over by the other Evangelists, but which is peculiarly appropriate in this first Gospel.

Who Were the Wisemen? Greg Laurie

Three men came from the East and bring some “fighting words” to King Herod.

When Did the Magi Visit? Samuel James Andrews

The order of events following Christ's birth to the time He went to reside at Nazareth is much disputed. The chief point of controversy is respecting the time of the visit of the Magi.

The Wrong Thing to Say to King Herod? Greg Laurie

The wise men who came from the East were men of great importance, VIPs.

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About Birth of Jesus

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Birth of Jesus

Genealogy and Jewish Heritage

Roman World

Mary and Joseph

Bethlehem

Shepherds and Angels

Star and Magi

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About Birth of Jesus

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