Based on Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:21-34, 39-40

This is how Jesus was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of God’s Spirit.

Joseph, her fiance did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel from God appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, descendant of David, “ the angel said, “do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. The child inside her was conceived by God’s Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel commanded and took Mary as his wife, but he did not have sexual relations with her.

A few months later, a son was born to Mary in Bethlehem.

Eight days after his birth he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel. Several weeks after that his parents took him to Jerusalem, the special city where they worshipped God, to present him to God in their place of worship. When they got there they met an old man who had been waiting for the Promised Savior to come and save his people. When he saw Jesus, he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations…”

Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about Jesus. Then the old man blessed them, and he said to Mary, “This child will be rejected by many and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others.”

Jesus’ parents returned home. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom and God’s favor was on him.

Drawing Elements: Mary (flower), Joseph, Holy Spirit (flame), Angels, Jesus, Promised Savior-Light