And because Joseph was a descendant of King David,
he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea,
David’s ancient home.
He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
He took with him Mary, his fiancee,
who was now obviously pregnant.
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
“My wayward children,” says the LORD,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
“Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply,
“for you are the LORD our God.
I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Good people pass away;
the godly often die before their time.
But no one seems to care or wonder why.
No one seems to understand
that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
