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Category: Texts of the Gospel

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Published: 27 December 2020

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews ? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him ; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea ; for so it is written by the prophet : `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah ; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared ; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king they went their way ; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy ; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Presented by Radio Don Bosco

Category: Texts of the Gospel

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Published: 27 December 2020

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you ?" he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, "I am not the Christ." "Well then," they asked "are you Elijah ?" "I am not"he said. "Are you the Prophet ?" He answered, "No." So they said to him, "Who are you ? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself ?" So John said, "I am, as Isaiah prophesied : a voice that cries in the wilderness : Make a straight way for the Lord." Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, "Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet ?" John replied, "I baptise with water ; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me ; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."

This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

Presented by Radio Don Bosco

Category: Texts of the Gospel

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Published: 27 December 2020

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.