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Consider the following scriptures, as we learn of the promise of peace accompanying the birth of the Christ-child:

1. Read Malachi 5:2. This passage foretells of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. What other ruler of Israel was born in Bethlehem? (see 1 Samuel 16:1, 18-19 and 1 Samuel 17:12)
2. Read Matthew 2:1-2. How many Magi came to visit Jesus?
3. When the Magi arrive, where do they find Jesus? Is he in the manger?
4. Do the Magi bow down to the baby Jesus?
5. Read Isaiah 2:1-5. What does Peter tell us regarding the timing of the fulfilling of this prophecy? When will this actually happen? (see 1 Peter 1:10-11)
6. What does Ezekiel tell us concerning "the temple of the God of Jacob" in those days? (see Ezekiel Chapters 40-43)
7. Read Matthew 3:1-6 and Isaiah 40:3. What does it mean in Isaiah when it says "make straight in the desert"? Or in Matthew, what does the phrase "make straight paths" refer to?

If you are studying at home without the previously-cited publication from Rose Publishing, then also read the following scriptures, as they point to the Peace of Christ that was fulfilled at his birth in Bethlehem.

• Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." [NIV]
• Luke 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. [NIV]
• Luke 2:3-6 And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. [NIV]
• Isaiah 1:3 "The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." [NIV]
• Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [NIV]
• Isaiah 60:1-2 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you." [NIV]
• Luke 2:10-14 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." [NIV]
• Isaiah 44:23 Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. [NIV]
• Luke 2:15-19 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. [NIV]

Thanks for studying with us!

In Christ,

Wes

[2010]

[PDF Version]

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