Book of Common Prayer

¹⁰ For it was fitting for him, for whom all things are and by whom all things are, in accordance with the way that he brought many sons to glory, to make the Lord of their salvation perfect through suffering. ¹¹ For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one, for which sake he is not ashamed to call them brethren, ¹² saying: I will declare your name to my brethren, and in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. ¹³ And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold, here am I and the children that God has given me.

¹⁴ Considering then that the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part with them, in order to put down through death him that had lordship over death – that is to say, the devil – ¹⁵ and to deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ¹⁶ For in no place does he take on him the angels, but he takes the seed of Abraham on him. ¹⁷ Therefore it was fitting for him to be made like his brethren in all things, so that he could be merciful, and a faithful high priest in things concerning God, in order to purge the people’s sins. ¹⁸ For in that he himself suffered and was tried, he is able to succour those who are tried.

¹⁸ The birth of Jesus Christ was this way: When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came to dwell together, she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being an upright man, and loathe to make an example of her, was minded to put her away quietly. ²⁰ While he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife. For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. For he will save his people from their sins.

²² All this was done to fulfil that which was spoken about the Lord by the prophet, saying, ²³ Behold, a maiden shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us.

²⁴ And Joseph, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bid him and took his wife unto him, ²⁵ and knew her not till she had brought forth her first son, and called his name Jesus.