it seemed fitting for me as well, [and so I have decided] after having carefully searched out and investigated all the events accurately, from the very beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus;

They both were righteous (approved) in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

And all the congregation was praying outside [in the court of the temple] at the hour of the incense offering.

“For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God!

And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished.

Then fear came on all their neighbors; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.

All who heard these things kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this little boy turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him [to bring about his birth].

Salvation from our enemies, And from the hand of all who hate us;

In holiness [being set apart] and righteousness [being upright] before Him all our days.

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be registered [in a census].

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.

and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them.

But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.

All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers.

He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin;

and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.’”

Now the people were in a state of expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

John answered them all by saying, “As for me, I baptize you [only] with water; but One who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I is coming, and I am not fit to untie the strap of His sandals [even as His slave]. He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire.

But when Herod [Antipas] the tetrarch was repeatedly reprimanded [and convicted by John’s disapproval] for having Herodias, his brother’s wife [as his own], and for all the wicked things that Herod had done,

he also added this to them all: he locked up John in prison.

Jesus’ Baptism

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, the [visible] heaven was opened,