76 And thou, child [John], shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

December 20th, Evening

 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Go to: December 21st   ~   Index