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"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2: 15-16 KJV <p>Illustration of the shepherds arriving at the stable where Jesus is lying in a manger. Mary kneels next to him and Joseph stands at the manger's side. A bull and calf are curled up in the foreground. The shepherds, young and old, arrive through an opening in a low wall and kneel before the manger. One shepherd has removed his hat and laid down his staff.

The Shepherds Arrive to Worship the Baby Jesus

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to…

"And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger." Luke 2:15-16 ASV <p>Illustration of the shepherds' arrival soon after Jesus' birth. One kneels, one bows, and one stands in the background with a sheep over his shoulders. Angels are depicted overhead, along with the Star of Bethlehem.

The Adoration of the Shepherds at the Birth of Jesus

"And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,…

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." Luke 1:26-31 KJV <p>Illustration of the Virgin Mary praying at an altar in her room as the archangel Gabriel approaches her to tell her she will give birth to Jesus. Gabriel is knelt on a cloud, his left arm raised. He is holding an olive branch. Above Mary's head, a dove is flying out of a cloud and a shaft of light glows down on Mary's head. A vase with lilies in it sits on the floor.

The Annunciation - the Angel Gabriel Approaches Mary while She is Praying

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around them are the apostles, Moses, and the Virgin Mary. There are also several angels and cherubim surrounding and within the group.

The Apostles, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around…

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:39-40 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus praying, on his knees, hands clasped, as an angel emerges from the clouds, carrying the cross. Peter, James, and John are sleeping nearby. Soldiers are marching out of the city gate, towards the garden, in the background.

Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane - Peter, James, and John Fall Asleep

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible,…

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one. Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant's name was Malchus." John 18:7-10 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus' betrayal. Judas leans close to Jesus, having just kissed his cheek. The people, priests, and soldiers gather around, holding swords and torches. One man is tying Jesus' leg with rope. Others chase the disciples away. Peter is in the foreground with Malchus down on the ground. Peter's sword is raised.

Judas Betrays Jesus and Peter Cuts Off the Ear of Malchus

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told…

(1685-1759) Handel was a musician and composer. His most famous work was "Atalanta."

George Frederick Handel

(1685-1759) Handel was a musician and composer. His most famous work was "Atalanta."

"And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:1-2 ASV <p>Illustration of John the Baptist, sitting on a rock under a tree, left hand raised and right hand holding a staff. He is preaching to the multitudes. Men, women, and children sit and stand around him. The Sadducees and Pharisees, identifiable by their robes, can be seen in the background (left).

John the Baptist Preaches in the Wilderness

"And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, saying, Repent ye;…

"And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." Mark 14:22-24 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus at the table with his disciples, initiating the Eucharist. A wine goblet and three pieces of broken bread sit in front of him. The disciples sit around the table, six on either side of Jesus. A pitcher sits on the ground in front of the table.

Communion of the Apostles with Jesus at the Last Supper

"And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and…

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they." Acts 15:7-11 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter, standing before the rest of the apostles, explaining to them that Jesus made no distinction between Jew and Gentile and that all should be saved by their belief and not by their adherence to the old law. The apostles and the ancients at the council decided that circumcision would no longer be required.

Peter and the Apostles Decide Not to Impose Circumcision on Christians

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that…

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2: 25-32 KJV <p>Illustration of Simeon holding Jesus in his arms and prophesying. Mary and Joseph stand next to him. Joseph is holding a cage with two turtle doves inside. A prophetess named Anna stands next to Simeon. A domed arch frames Simeon. Onlookers stand to either side.

Simeon Prophesies When Jesus is Presented at the Temple

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout,…

"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 3And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against." Luke 2:28-34 KJV

Simeon Taking the Child in His Arms

"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart…

"Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons." Mark 16:9 ASV <p>Illustration of Mary, fallen on her knees, at Jesus' feet as He rounds a corner and walks towards her. Two angels holding olive branches, sit behind her, at the entrance to the empty tomb. Rays of light emanate from Jesus' head. He is carrying the banner of the cross.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene After His Resurrection

"Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from…

"And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them. And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:29-31 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus sitting at a table with two disciples. He is handing them some bread and they are looking at him in awe as they realize he is their risen Lord. One is kneeling, the other is leaning towards Jesus. There is a goblet on the table and a window behind the table. An arch with floral decorations frames the scene.

Jesus Appears to Two of His Disciples and Has Dinner with Them at the Town of Emmaus

"And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent.…

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7:59-60 ASV <p>Illustration of Stephen kneeling in prayer, looking up to heaven. Several men raise stones in the air, preparing to stone Stephen. The Jewish councilors can be seen in the crowd. Women hide their eyes in the background (right). The town walls can be seen on the left.

The Stoning of Stephen, the First Martyr

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he…

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" Matthew 27:29 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus as a solider places a crown of thorns on his head. A robe is around his shoulders and a reed is in his hand. A soldier plays a small horn and tambourine on Christ's left side. Another soldier kneels mockingly in front of him, as if to worship him. A fourth soldier leans behind them to Christ's right. Two holy men watch from behind a wall in the background.

The Crowning of Thorns - Jesus is Made a Mock King

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they…

"And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head." Matthew 27:28-30 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus being scourged and beaten by the soldiers. They are placing a crown of thorns on his head. They have put a robe on him and a reed in his hands. One soldier is knelt mockingly at Jesus' feet, another soldier holds a multi-strap, leather whip. A group of people and soldiers can be seen in the background.

Jesus Scourged, Mocked, and Crowned with Thorns

"And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it…

"But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice." Luke 22:60-61 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter sitting in front of a fire with a woman and some soldiers. His arms are raised as he denies knowing Jesus. A rooster is standing in the window above them. On the right, Jesus is walking down stairs, hands bound, followed by soldiers in armor and with swords. Jesus looks at Peter in the courtyard.

Peter Denies Jesus Three Times Before the Rooster Crows

"But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.…

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year." John 18:12-13 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus with his hands bound behind his back, being led before Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest. The surrounding text confirms it is Annas and not Caiaphas. Annas sits on an elevated platform. Other robed men sit on benches to his right and left. A servant holds the ropes binding Jesus.

The Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus - He is Taken Before Annas, the Former High Priest

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led…