Then an angel of the Lord appeared and explained to him in a dream. Joseph did what the angel had commanded and took Mary as his wife, and named the child Jesus, which means God with us. Jesus was born in Berthlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod.

People from parts of the world were anticipating the Christ, followed the star in the east until it stopped over the place where the child was. They bowed down and worshipped him, and presented him with gifts. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and ordered a search for the child to kill him. But Joseph, Mary and the child had already escaped to Egypt. King Herod was so furious that he gave orders to kill all the boys in Berthlehem and its vicinty who were two years old and under.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
In those days, there came a man, John who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness testifying concerning the light, so that through him all man might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into this world.

The Magi went out to him from Jerualem, and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Some asked him who he was. And John told them he was neither the Christ nor the prophet. He replied, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' " "I baptized with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than me, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.