Changes

==PAPER 122: BIRTH AND INFANCY OF JESUS==

==PAPER 122: BIRTH AND INFANCY OF JESUS==

122:0.1 It will hardly be possible fully to explain the many reasons which led to the selection of [[Palestine]] as the land for [[Michael]]'s bestowal, and especially as to just why the [[family]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] should have been chosen as the immediate setting for the [[appearance]] of this [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD Son of God] on [[Urantia]].

122:0.1 It will hardly be possible fully to explain the many reasons which led to the selection of [[Palestine]] as the land for [[Michael]]'s bestowal, and especially as to just why the [[family]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] should have been chosen as the immediate setting for the [[appearance]] of this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD Son of God] on [[Urantia]].

122:0.2 After a [[study]] of the special report on the [[status]] of [[segregated]] worlds prepared by the [[Melchizedeks]], in [[counsel]] with [[Gabriel]], [[Michael]] finally chose [[Urantia]] as the [[planet]] whereon to enact his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL final bestowal]. Subsequent to this [[decision]] [[Gabriel]] made a [[personal]] [[visit]] to [[Urantia]], and, as a result of his [[study]] of human [[groups]] and his survey of the [[spiritual]], [[intellectual]], [[racial]], and [[geographic]] features of the world and its peoples, he decided that the [[Hebrews]] possessed those [[relative]] advantages which warranted their selection as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chosen_people bestowal race]. Upon [[Michael]]'s approval of this [[decision]], [[Gabriel]] appointed and dispatched to [[Urantia]] the Family Commission of Twelve—selected from among the higher orders of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_37#PAPER_37:_PERSONALITIES_OF_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE universe personalities]—which was intrusted with the task of making an [[investigation]] of [[Jewish]] [[family]] life. When this commission ended its labors, [[Gabriel]] was present on [[Urantia]] and received the report nominating [[three]] prospective unions as being, in the [[opinion]] of the commission, equally favorable as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chosen_people bestowal families] for [[Michael]]'s projected [[incarnation]].

122:0.2 After a [[study]] of the special report on the [[status]] of [[segregated]] worlds prepared by the [[Melchizedeks]], in [[counsel]] with [[Gabriel]], [[Michael]] finally chose [[Urantia]] as the [[planet]] whereon to enact his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL final bestowal]. Subsequent to this [[decision]] [[Gabriel]] made a [[personal]] [[visit]] to [[Urantia]], and, as a result of his [[study]] of human [[groups]] and his survey of the [[spiritual]], [[intellectual]], [[racial]], and [[geographic]] features of the world and its peoples, he decided that the [[Hebrews]] possessed those [[relative]] advantages which warranted their selection as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chosen_people bestowal race]. Upon [[Michael]]'s approval of this [[decision]], [[Gabriel]] appointed and dispatched to [[Urantia]] the Family Commission of Twelve—selected from among the higher orders of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_37#PAPER_37:_PERSONALITIES_OF_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE universe personalities]—which was intrusted with the task of making an [[investigation]] of [[Jewish]] [[family]] life. When this commission ended its labors, [[Gabriel]] was present on [[Urantia]] and received the report nominating [[three]] prospective unions as being, in the [[opinion]] of the commission, equally favorable as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chosen_people bestowal families] for [[Michael]]'s projected [[incarnation]].

122:0.3 From the [[three]] couples nominated, [[Gabriel]] made the personal choice of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], subsequently making his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:3._GABRIEL.27S_ANNOUNCEMENT_TO_MARY personal appearance to Mary], at which time he imparted to her the glad tidings that she had been selected to become the [[earth]] [[mother]] of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS bestowal child].

122:0.3 From the [[three]] couples nominated, [[Gabriel]] made the personal choice of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], subsequently making his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:3._GABRIEL.27S_ANNOUNCEMENT_TO_MARY personal appearance to Mary], at which time he imparted to her the glad tidings that she had been selected to become the [[earth]] [[mother]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS bestowal child].

==122:1. JOSEPH AND MARY==

==122:1. JOSEPH AND MARY==

122:1.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], the [[human]] [[father]] of [[Jesus]] (Joshua ben Joseph), was a [[Hebrew]] of the Hebrews, albeit he carried many [[Gentile|non-Jewish]] racial strains which had been added to his [[ancestral]] tree from time to time by the [[female]] lines of his progenitors. The [[ancestry]] of the [[father]] of Jesus went back to the days of [[Abraham]] and through this venerable [[patriarch]] to the earlier lines of inheritance leading to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerians] and [[Nodites]] and, through the southern tribes of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:7._DISPERSION_OF_THE_COLORED_RACES ancient blue man], to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:1._ANDON_AND_FONTA Andon and Fonta]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon Solomon] were not in the direct line of Joseph's [[ancestry]], neither did Joseph's lineage go directly back to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adam]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s immediate [[ancestors]] were mechanics—builders, carpenters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry masons], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith smiths]. Joseph himself was a carpenter and later a contractor. His [[family]] belonged to a long and illustrious line of the [[nobility]] of the common people, accentuated ever and anon by the [[appearance]] of unusual [[individuals]] who had distinguished themselves in [[connection]] with the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92 evolution of religion] on [[Urantia]].

122:1.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], the [[human]] [[father]] of [[Jesus]] (Joshua ben Joseph), was a [[Hebrew]] of the Hebrews, albeit he carried many [[Gentile|non-Jewish]] racial strains which had been added to his [[ancestral]] tree from time to time by the [[female]] lines of his progenitors. The [[ancestry]] of the [[father]] of Jesus went back to the days of [[Abraham]] and through this venerable [[patriarch]] to the earlier lines of inheritance leading to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerians] and [[Nodites]] and, through the southern tribes of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:7._DISPERSION_OF_THE_COLORED_RACES ancient blue man], to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:1._ANDON_AND_FONTA Andon and Fonta]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon Solomon] were not in the direct line of Joseph's [[ancestry]], neither did Joseph's lineage go directly back to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adam]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s immediate [[ancestors]] were mechanics—builders, carpenters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry masons], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith smiths]. Joseph himself was a carpenter and later a contractor. His [[family]] belonged to a long and illustrious line of the [[nobility]] of the common people, accentuated ever and anon by the [[appearance]] of unusual [[individuals]] who had distinguished themselves in [[connection]] with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92 evolution of religion] on [[Urantia]].

122:1.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], the [[earth]] [[mother]] of [[Jesus]], was a descendant of a long line of [[unique]] [[ancestors]] embracing many of the most remarkable [[women]] in the racial [[history]] of [[Urantia]]. Although Mary was an [[average]] woman of her day and [[generation]], possessing a fairly [[normal]] [[temperament]], she reckoned among her [[ancestors]] such well-known women as Annon, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamar_(Genesis) Tamar], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_(biblical_figure) Ruth], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathsheba Bathsheba], Ansie, Cloa, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Eve], Enta, and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Ratta]. No [[Jewish]] [[woman]] of that day had a more illustrious [[lineage]] of common progenitors or one extending back to more auspicious beginnings. Mary's [[ancestry]], like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s, was characterized by the predominance of strong but [[average]] [[individuals]], relieved now and then by numerous outstanding [[personalities]] in the march of [[civilization]] and the progressive [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_97 evolution of religion]. Racially considered, it is hardly proper to regard Mary as a Jewess. In [[culture]] and [[belief]] she was a [[Jew]], but in hereditary [[endowment]] she was more a composite of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syrian], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite Hittite], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenician], [[Greek]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptian] stocks, her racial inheritance being more general than that of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph].

122:1.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], the [[earth]] [[mother]] of [[Jesus]], was a descendant of a long line of [[unique]] [[ancestors]] embracing many of the most remarkable [[women]] in the racial [[history]] of [[Urantia]]. Although Mary was an [[average]] woman of her day and [[generation]], possessing a fairly [[normal]] [[temperament]], she reckoned among her [[ancestors]] such well-known women as Annon, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamar_(Genesis) Tamar], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_(biblical_figure) Ruth], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathsheba Bathsheba], Ansie, Cloa, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Eve], Enta, and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Ratta]. No [[Jewish]] [[woman]] of that day had a more illustrious [[lineage]] of common progenitors or one extending back to more auspicious beginnings. Mary's [[ancestry]], like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s, was characterized by the predominance of strong but [[average]] [[individuals]], relieved now and then by numerous outstanding [[personalities]] in the march of [[civilization]] and the progressive [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_97 evolution of religion]. Racially considered, it is hardly proper to regard Mary as a Jewess. In [[culture]] and [[belief]] she was a [[Jew]], but in hereditary [[endowment]] she was more a composite of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syrian], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite Hittite], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenician], [[Greek]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptian] stocks, her racial inheritance being more general than that of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph].

122:1.3 Of all couples living in [[Palestine]] at about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_BC time of Michael]'s projected bestowal, Joseph and Mary [[possessed]] the most [[ideal]] combination of widespread racial [[connections]] and superior [[average]] of [[personality]] endowments. It was the [[plan]] of [[Michael]] to appear on [[earth]] as an [[average]] man, that the common people might [[understand]] him and [[receive]] him; wherefore [[Gabriel]] selected just such [[persons]] as ''Joseph and Mary'' to become the bestowal [[parents]].

122:1.3 Of all couples living in [[Palestine]] at about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_BC time of Michael]'s projected bestowal, Joseph and Mary [[possessed]] the most [[ideal]] combination of widespread racial [[connections]] and superior [[average]] of [[personality]] endowments. It was the [[plan]] of [[Michael]] to appear on [[earth]] as an [[average]] man, that the common people might [[understand]] him and [[receive]] him; wherefore [[Gabriel]] selected just such [[persons]] as ''Joseph and Mary'' to become the bestowal [[parents]].

122:2.2 It was late in the month of June, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.], about three months after the [[marriage]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], that ''Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth'' at noontide one day, just as he later made his [[presence]] known to Mary. Said Gabriel:

122:2.2 It was late in the month of June, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.], about three months after the [[marriage]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], that ''Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth'' at noontide one day, just as he later made his [[presence]] known to Mary. Said Gabriel:

122:2.3 " While your [[husband]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], stands before the [[altar]] in [[Jerusalem]], and while the assembled people pray for the coming of a deliverer, I, [[Gabriel]], have come to announce that you will shortly bear a son who shall be the forerunner of this [[divine]] [[teacher]], and you shall call your son John. He will grow up [[dedicated]] to the Lord your God, and when he has come to full years, he will gladden your [[heart]] because he will turn many [[souls]] to [[God]], and he will also [[proclaim]] the coming of the [[soul]]-healer of your people and the spirit-liberator of all [[mankind]]. Your kinswoman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] shall be the [[mother]] of this child of [[promise]], and I will also appear to her. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter]

122:2.3 " While your [[husband]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], stands before the [[altar]] in [[Jerusalem]], and while the assembled people pray for the coming of a deliverer, I, [[Gabriel]], have come to announce that you will shortly bear a son who shall be the forerunner of this [[divine]] [[teacher]], and you shall call your son John. He will grow up [[dedicated]] to the Lord your God, and when he has come to full years, he will gladden your [[heart]] because he will turn many [[souls]] to [[God]], and he will also [[proclaim]] the coming of the [[soul]]-healer of your people and the spirit-liberator of all [[mankind]]. Your kinswoman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] shall be the [[mother]] of this child of [[promise]], and I will also appear to her. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter]

122:2.4 This [[vision]] greatly frightened Elizabeth. After [[Gabriel]]'s departure she turned this [[experience]] over in her [[mind]], long [[pondering]] the sayings of the [[majestic]] [[visitor]], but did not speak of the [[revelation]] to anyone save her [[husband]] until her subsequent visit with Mary in early February of the following year.

122:2.4 This [[vision]] greatly frightened Elizabeth. After [[Gabriel]]'s departure she turned this [[experience]] over in her [[mind]], long [[pondering]] the sayings of the [[majestic]] [[visitor]], but did not speak of the [[revelation]] to anyone save her [[husband]] until her subsequent visit with Mary in early February of the following year.

==122:3. GABRIEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO MARY==

==122:3. GABRIEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO MARY==

122:3.1 One evening about sundown, before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had returned [[home]], [[Gabriel]] appeared to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] by the side of a low stone table and, after she had recovered her composure, said: " I come at the bidding of one who is my [[the Master|Master]] and whom you shall [[love]] and [[nurture]]. To you, Mary, I bring glad tidings when I [[announce]] that the [[conception]] within you is [[ordained]] by [[heaven]], and that in due time you will become the [[mother]] of a son; you shall call him [[Jesus|Joshua]], and he shall [[inaugurate]] the [[kingdom of heaven]] on [[earth]] and among men. Speak not of this matter save to Joseph and to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth], your kinswoman, to whom I have also appeared, and who shall presently also bear a son, whose name shall be [[John the Baptist|John]], and who will [[prepare]] the way for the message of deliverance which your son shall [[proclaim]] to men with great [[power]] and deep [[conviction]]. And [[doubt]] not my word, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], for this [[home]] has been chosen as the mortal habitat of the child of [[destiny]]. My [[benediction]] rests upon you, the [[power]] of the [[Most Highs]] will strengthen you, and the Lord of all the [[earth]] shall overshadow you. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter]

122:3.1 One evening about sundown, before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had returned [[home]], [[Gabriel]] appeared to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] by the side of a low stone table and, after she had recovered her composure, said: " I come at the bidding of one who is my [[the Master|Master]] and whom you shall [[love]] and [[nurture]]. To you, Mary, I bring glad tidings when I [[announce]] that the [[conception]] within you is [[ordained]] by [[heaven]], and that in due time you will become the [[mother]] of a son; you shall call him [[Jesus|Joshua]], and he shall [[inaugurate]] the [[kingdom of heaven]] on [[earth]] and among men. Speak not of this matter save to Joseph and to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth], your kinswoman, to whom I have also appeared, and who shall presently also bear a son, whose name shall be [[John the Baptist|John]], and who will [[prepare]] the way for the message of deliverance which your son shall [[proclaim]] to men with great [[power]] and deep [[conviction]]. And [[doubt]] not my word, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], for this [[home]] has been chosen as the mortal habitat of the child of [[destiny]]. My [[benediction]] rests upon you, the [[power]] of the [[Most Highs]] will strengthen you, and the Lord of all the [[earth]] shall overshadow you. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter]

122:3.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] pondered this [[visitation]] [[secret]]ly in her [[heart]] for many weeks until of a certainty she knew she was [[Pregnant|with child]], before she dared to disclose these [[unusual]] [[events]] to her [[husband]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] heard all about this, although he had great [[confidence]] in Mary, he was much troubled and could not [[sleep]] for many nights. At first Joseph had [[doubts]] about the [[Gabriel]] [[visitation]]. Then when he became well-nigh [[persuaded]] that Mary had really heard the [[voice]] and beheld the form of the [[divine]] [[messenger]], he was torn in [[mind]] as he [[pondered]] how such things could be. How could the [[offspring]] of [[human beings]] be a child of divine [[destiny]]? Never could Joseph [[reconcile]] these [[conflicting]] [[ideas]] until, after several weeks of [[thought]], both he and Mary reached the [[conclusion]] that they had been chosen to become the [[parents]] of the [[Messiah]], though it had hardly been the [[Jewish]] [[concept]] that the expected deliverer was to be of [[divine]] [[nature]]. Upon arriving at this momentous conclusion, Mary hastened to depart for a [[visit]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth].

122:3.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] pondered this [[visitation]] [[secret]]ly in her [[heart]] for many weeks until of a certainty she knew she was [[Pregnant|with child]], before she dared to disclose these [[unusual]] [[events]] to her [[husband]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] heard all about this, although he had great [[confidence]] in Mary, he was much troubled and could not [[sleep]] for many nights. At first Joseph had [[doubts]] about the [[Gabriel]] [[visitation]]. Then when he became well-nigh [[persuaded]] that Mary had really heard the [[voice]] and beheld the form of the [[divine]] [[messenger]], he was torn in [[mind]] as he [[pondered]] how such things could be. How could the [[offspring]] of [[human beings]] be a child of divine [[destiny]]? Never could Joseph [[reconcile]] these [[conflicting]] [[ideas]] until, after several weeks of [[thought]], both he and Mary reached the [[conclusion]] that they had been chosen to become the [[parents]] of the [[Messiah]], though it had hardly been the [[Jewish]] [[concept]] that the expected deliverer was to be of [[divine]] [[nature]]. Upon arriving at this momentous conclusion, Mary hastened to depart for a [[visit]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth].

==122:4. JOSEPH'S DREAM==

==122:4. JOSEPH'S DREAM==

122:4.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did not become reconciled to the [[idea]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was to become the [[mother]] of an extraordinary [[child]] until after he had experienced a very impressive [[dream]]. In this dream a [[brilliant]] [[celestial]] [[messenger]] appeared to him and, among other things, said: " Joseph, I appear by command of Him who now reigns on high, and I am directed to instruct you concerning the son whom Mary shall bear, and who shall become a great [[light]] in the world. In him will be life, and his life shall become the light of [[mankind]]. He shall first come to his own people, but they will hardly receive him; but to as many as shall receive him to them will he reveal that they are the [[children]] of [[God]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_1] After this [[experience]] Joseph never again wholly [[doubted]] Mary's story of [[Gabriel]]' s visit and of the [[promise]] that the unborn child was to become a [[divine]] [[messenger]] to the world.

122:4.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did not become reconciled to the [[idea]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was to become the [[mother]] of an extraordinary [[child]] until after he had experienced a very impressive [[dream]]. In this dream a [[brilliant]] [[celestial]] [[messenger]] appeared to him and, among other things, said: " Joseph, I appear by command of Him who now reigns on high, and I am directed to instruct you concerning the son whom Mary shall bear, and who shall become a great [[light]] in the world. In him will be life, and his life shall become the light of [[mankind]]. He shall first come to his own people, but they will hardly receive him; but to as many as shall receive him to them will he reveal that they are the [[children]] of [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_1] After this [[experience]] Joseph never again wholly [[doubted]] Mary's story of [[Gabriel]]' s visit and of the [[promise]] that the unborn child was to become a [[divine]] [[messenger]] to the world.

122:4.2 In all these visitations nothing was said about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line house of David]. Nothing was ever intimated about [[Jesus]]' becoming a " deliverer of the Jews, " not even that he was to be the long-expected [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. Jesus was not such a [[Messiah]] as the Jews had anticipated, but he was the world's deliverer. His mission was to all races and peoples, not to any one [[group]].

122:4.2 In all these visitations nothing was said about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line house of David]. Nothing was ever intimated about [[Jesus]]' becoming a " deliverer of the Jews, " not even that he was to be the long-expected [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. Jesus was not such a [[Messiah]] as the Jews had anticipated, but he was the world's deliverer. His mission was to all races and peoples, not to any one [[group]].

122:4.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was not of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line line of King David]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)  Mary] had more of the Davidic ancestry than Joseph. True, Joseph did go to the City of David, [[Bethlehem]], to be registered for the [[Roman]] [[census]], but that was because, six [[generations]] previously, Joseph's paternal [[ancestor]] of that generation, being an [[orphan]], was adopted by one Zadoc, who was a direct descendant of David; hence was Joseph also accounted as of the " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line house of David]. "

122:4.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was not of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line line of King David]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)  Mary] had more of the Davidic ancestry than Joseph. True, Joseph did go to the City of David, [[Bethlehem]], to be registered for the [[Roman]] [[census]], but that was because, six [[generations]] previously, Joseph's paternal [[ancestor]] of that generation, being an [[orphan]], was adopted by one Zadoc, who was a direct descendant of David; hence was Joseph also accounted as of the " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line house of David]. "

122:4.4 Most of the so-called [http://urantiabook.org/newbook/papers/Paramony/pmny122_4.html Messianic prophecies] of the [[Old Testament]] were made to apply to [[Jesus]] long after his life had been lived on [[earth]]. For centuries the [[The Hebrew Prophets|Hebrew prophets]] had proclaimed the coming of a deliverer, and these [[promises]] had been construed by successive [[generations]] as referring to a new Jewish ruler who would sit upon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David throne of David] and, by the reputed miraculous [[methods]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], proceed to [[establish]] the [[Jews]] in [[Palestine]] as a powerful [[nation]], free from all foreign domination. Again, many figurative passages found throughout the [[Hebrew scriptures]] were subsequently misapplied to the life mission of [[Jesus]]. Many [[Old Testament]] sayings were so distorted as to appear to fit some episode of [[the Master]]'s earth life. [[Jesus]] himself onetime publicly denied any connection with the royal house of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. Even the passage, " a maiden shall bear a son, " was made to read, " a virgin shall bear a son. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.7] This was also true of the many genealogies of both [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] which were constructed subsequent to [[Michael]]'s career on earth. Many of these lineages contain much of [[the Master]]'s [[ancestry]], but on the whole they are not genuine and may not be depended upon as [[factual]]. The early followers of [[Jesus]] all too often succumbed to the [[temptation]] to make all the olden prophetic utterances appear to find fulfillment in the life of their Lord and Master.

122:4.4 Most of the so-called [http://urantiabook.org/newbook/papers/Paramony/pmny122_4.html Messianic prophecies] of the [[Old Testament]] were made to apply to [[Jesus]] long after his life had been lived on [[earth]]. For centuries the [[The Hebrew Prophets|Hebrew prophets]] had proclaimed the coming of a deliverer, and these [[promises]] had been construed by successive [[generations]] as referring to a new Jewish ruler who would sit upon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David throne of David] and, by the reputed miraculous [[methods]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], proceed to [[establish]] the [[Jews]] in [[Palestine]] as a powerful [[nation]], free from all foreign domination. Again, many figurative passages found throughout the [[Hebrew scriptures]] were subsequently misapplied to the life mission of [[Jesus]]. Many [[Old Testament]] sayings were so distorted as to appear to fit some episode of [[the Master]]'s earth life. [[Jesus]] himself onetime publicly denied any connection with the royal house of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. Even the passage, " a maiden shall bear a son, " was made to read, " a virgin shall bear a son. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.7] This was also true of the many genealogies of both [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] which were constructed subsequent to [[Michael]]'s career on earth. Many of these lineages contain much of [[the Master]]'s [[ancestry]], but on the whole they are not genuine and may not be depended upon as [[factual]]. The early followers of [[Jesus]] all too often succumbed to the [[temptation]] to make all the olden prophetic utterances appear to find fulfillment in the life of their Lord and Master.

==122:5. JESUS' EARTH PARENTS==

==122:5. JESUS' EARTH PARENTS==

122:5.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[temperament]] was quite [[opposite]] to that of her [[husband]]. She was usually cheerful, was very rarely downcast, and possessed an ever-sunny disposition. Mary indulged in [[free]] and frequent [[expression]] of her [[emotion]]al feelings and was never [[observed]] to be sorrowful until after the sudden [[death]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]. And she had hardly recovered from this shock when she had thrust upon her the [[anxieties]] and questionings aroused by the extraordinary [[career]] of her eldest son, which was so rapidly unfolding before her astonished gaze. But throughout all this unusual [[experience]] Mary was [[composed]], [[courageous]], and fairly [[wise]] in her [[relationship]] with her strange and little-understood first-born son and his surviving brothers and sisters.

122:5.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[temperament]] was quite [[opposite]] to that of her [[husband]]. She was usually cheerful, was very rarely downcast, and possessed an ever-sunny disposition. Mary indulged in [[free]] and frequent [[expression]] of her [[emotion]]al feelings and was never [[observed]] to be sorrowful until after the sudden [[death]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]. And she had hardly recovered from this shock when she had thrust upon her the [[anxieties]] and questionings aroused by the extraordinary [[career]] of her eldest son, which was so rapidly unfolding before her astonished gaze. But throughout all this unusual [[experience]] Mary was [[composed]], [[courageous]], and fairly [[wise]] in her [[relationship]] with her strange and little-understood first-born son and his surviving brothers and sisters.

122:5.3 [[Jesus]] derived much of his unusual [[gentleness]] and marvelous [[sympathetic]] [[understanding]] of [[human]] [[nature]] from his [[father]]; he inherited his gift as a great [[teacher]] and his tremendous capacity for [[righteous]] indignation from his [[mother]]. In [[emotional]] [[reactions]] to his adult-life [[environment]], Jesus was at one time like his father, [[meditative]] and [[worship]]ful, sometimes characterized by apparent sadness; but more often he drove forward in the [[manner]] of his mother's optimistic and [[determined]] disposition. All in all, Mary's [[temperament]] tended to [[dominate]] the [[career]] of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD divine Son] as he grew up and swung into the momentous strides of his adult life. In some particulars [[Jesus]] was a blending of his [[parents]]' [[traits]]; in other respects he exhibited the traits of one in [[contrast]] with those of the other.

122:5.3 [[Jesus]] derived much of his unusual [[gentleness]] and marvelous [[sympathetic]] [[understanding]] of [[human]] [[nature]] from his [[father]]; he inherited his gift as a great [[teacher]] and his tremendous capacity for [[righteous]] indignation from his [[mother]]. In [[emotional]] [[reactions]] to his adult-life [[environment]], Jesus was at one time like his father, [[meditative]] and [[worship]]ful, sometimes characterized by apparent sadness; but more often he drove forward in the [[manner]] of his mother's optimistic and [[determined]] disposition. All in all, Mary's [[temperament]] tended to [[dominate]] the [[career]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD divine Son] as he grew up and swung into the momentous strides of his adult life. In some particulars [[Jesus]] was a blending of his [[parents]]' [[traits]]; in other respects he exhibited the traits of one in [[contrast]] with those of the other.

122:5.4 From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] Jesus secured his strict [[training]] in the usages of the [[Jewish]] [[ceremonials]] and his unusual acquaintance with the [[Hebrew scriptures]]; from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] he derived a broader [[viewpoint]] of religious life and a more [[liberal]] [[concept]] of [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[freedom]].

122:5.4 From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] Jesus secured his strict [[training]] in the usages of the [[Jewish]] [[ceremonials]] and his unusual acquaintance with the [[Hebrew scriptures]]; from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] he derived a broader [[viewpoint]] of religious life and a more [[liberal]] [[concept]] of [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[freedom]].

122:5.8 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was a young man, he was employed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[father]] in the work of building an addition to his house, and it was when Mary brought Joseph a cup of [[water]], during a noontime meal, that the [[courtship]] of the pair who were destined to become the [[parents]] of [[Jesus]] really began.

122:5.8 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was a young man, he was employed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[father]] in the work of building an addition to his house, and it was when Mary brought Joseph a cup of [[water]], during a noontime meal, that the [[courtship]] of the pair who were destined to become the [[parents]] of [[Jesus]] really began.

122:5.9 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were married, in accordance with [Jewish wedding Jewish custom], at Mary's [[home]] in the environs of [[Nazareth]] when Joseph was twenty-one years old. This [[marriage]] concluded a [[normal]] [[courtship]] of almost two years' duration. Shortly thereafter they moved into their new [[home]] in [[Nazareth]], which had been built by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] with the assistance of two of his [[brothers]]. The house was located near the foot of the near-by elevated [[land]] which so [[charm]]ingly overlooked the surrounding countryside. In this [[home]], especially prepared, these young and expectant [[parents]] had thought to [[welcome]] the child of promise, little realizing that this momentous [[event]] of a [[universe]] was to transpire while they would be absent from home in [[Bethlehem]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea].

122:5.9 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were married, in accordance with [Jewish wedding Jewish custom], at Mary's [[home]] in the environs of [[Nazareth]] when Joseph was twenty-one years old. This [[marriage]] concluded a [[normal]] [[courtship]] of almost two years' duration. Shortly thereafter they moved into their new [[home]] in [[Nazareth]], which had been built by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] with the assistance of two of his [[brothers]]. The house was located near the foot of the near-by elevated [[land]] which so [[charm]]ingly overlooked the surrounding countryside. In this [[home]], especially prepared, these young and expectant [[parents]] had thought to [[welcome]] the child of promise, little realizing that this momentous [[event]] of a [[universe]] was to transpire while they would be absent from home in [[Bethlehem]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea].

122:5.10 The larger part of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[family]] became believers in the teachings of [[Jesus]], but very few of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s people ever believed in him until after he departed from this world. Joseph leaned more toward the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the expected [[Messiah]], but Mary and her [[family]], especially her [[father]], held to the [[idea]] of the Messiah as a temporal deliverer and [[political]] ruler. Mary's [[ancestors]] had been prominently identified with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabees Maccabean] activities of the then but recent times.

122:5.10 The larger part of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[family]] became believers in the teachings of [[Jesus]], but very few of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s people ever believed in him until after he departed from this world. Joseph leaned more toward the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the expected [[Messiah]], but Mary and her [[family]], especially her [[father]], held to the [[idea]] of the Messiah as a temporal deliverer and [[political]] ruler. Mary's [[ancestors]] had been prominently identified with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabees Maccabean] activities of the then but recent times.

122:6.1 The [[home]] of [[Jesus]] was not far from the high hill in the northerly part of [[Nazareth]], some distance from the village [[Well|spring]], which was in the eastern section of the town. [[Jesus]]' [[family]] dwelt in the outskirts of the [[city]], and this made it all the easier for him subsequently to enjoy frequent strolls in the [[Rural|country]] and to make trips up to the top of this near-by highland, the highest of all the hills of southern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee] save the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor Mount Tabor] range to the east and the hill of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nein Nain], which was about the same height. Their [[home]] was located a little to the south and east of the southern promontory of this hill and about midway between the base of this elevation and the road leading out of [[Nazareth]] toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana]. Aside from climbing the hill, [[Jesus]]' favorite stroll was to follow a narrow trail winding about the base of the hill in a northeasterly direction to a point where it joined the road to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris].

122:6.1 The [[home]] of [[Jesus]] was not far from the high hill in the northerly part of [[Nazareth]], some distance from the village [[Well|spring]], which was in the eastern section of the town. [[Jesus]]' [[family]] dwelt in the outskirts of the [[city]], and this made it all the easier for him subsequently to enjoy frequent strolls in the [[Rural|country]] and to make trips up to the top of this near-by highland, the highest of all the hills of southern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee] save the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor Mount Tabor] range to the east and the hill of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nein Nain], which was about the same height. Their [[home]] was located a little to the south and east of the southern promontory of this hill and about midway between the base of this elevation and the road leading out of [[Nazareth]] toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana]. Aside from climbing the hill, [[Jesus]]' favorite stroll was to follow a narrow trail winding about the base of the hill in a northeasterly direction to a point where it joined the road to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris].

122:6.2 The [[home]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] was a one-room stone [[structure]] with a flat roof and an adjoining building for housing the [[animals]]. The furniture consisted of a low stone table, earthenware and stone dishes and pots, a loom, a lampstand, several small stools, and mats for [[sleeping]] on the stone floor. In the back yard, near the animal annex, was the [[shelter]] which covered the oven and the mill for grinding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain grain]. It required [[two]] persons to operate this type of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill mill], one to grind and another to feed the grain. As a small boy [[Jesus]] often fed grain to this mill while his [[mother]] turned the grinder.

122:6.2 The [[home]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] was a one-room stone [[structure]] with a flat roof and an adjoining building for housing the [[animals]]. The furniture consisted of a low stone table, earthenware and stone dishes and pots, a loom, a lampstand, several small stools, and mats for [[sleeping]] on the stone floor. In the back yard, near the animal annex, was the [[shelter]] which covered the oven and the mill for grinding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain grain]. It required [[two]] persons to operate this type of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill mill], one to grind and another to feed the grain. As a small boy [[Jesus]] often fed grain to this mill while his [[mother]] turned the grinder.

122:6.3 In later years, as the [[family]] grew in size, they would all squat about the enlarged [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolmen stone table] to enjoy their meals, helping themselves from a common dish, or pot, of food[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Eastern_cuisine]. During the [[winter]], at the evening meal the table would be lighted by a small, flat [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp clay lamp], which was filled with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_oil olive oil]. After the [[birth]] of Martha, Joseph built an addition to this house, a large room, which was used as a carpenter shop during the day and as a [[sleeping]] room at night.

122:6.3 In later years, as the [[family]] grew in size, they would all squat about the enlarged [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolmen stone table] to enjoy their meals, helping themselves from a common dish, or pot, of food[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Eastern_cuisine]. During the [[winter]], at the evening meal the table would be lighted by a small, flat [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp clay lamp], which was filled with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_oil olive oil]. After the [[birth]] of Martha, Joseph built an addition to this house, a large room, which was used as a carpenter shop during the day and as a [[sleeping]] room at night.

==122:7. THE TRIP TO BETHLEHEM==

==122:7. THE TRIP TO BETHLEHEM==

122:7.1 In the month of March, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.] (the month [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were married), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_Augustus Caesar Augustus] [[decreed]] that all [[inhabitants]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] should be numbered, that a [[census]] should be made which could be used for effecting better [[taxation]]. The [[Jews]] had always been greatly [[prejudiced]] against any attempt to " number the people, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.24] and this, in connection with the serious [[domestic]] difficulties of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], King of Judea, had conspired to cause the postponement of the taking of this [[census]] in the Jewish kingdom for one year. Throughout all the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] this [[census]] was registered in the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.], except in the Palestinian kingdom of Herod, where it was taken in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.], one year later.

122:7.1 In the month of March, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.] (the month [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were married), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_Augustus Caesar Augustus] [[decreed]] that all [[inhabitants]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] should be numbered, that a [[census]] should be made which could be used for effecting better [[taxation]]. The [[Jews]] had always been greatly [[prejudiced]] against any attempt to " number the people, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.24] and this, in connection with the serious [[domestic]] difficulties of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], King of Judea, had conspired to cause the postponement of the taking of this [[census]] in the Jewish kingdom for one year. Throughout all the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] this [[census]] was registered in the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_BC 8 B.C.], except in the Palestinian kingdom of Herod, where it was taken in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.], one year later.

122:7.2 It was not [[necessary]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] should go to [[Bethlehem]] for enrollment—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was authorized to register for his [[family]]—but Mary, being an [[adventurous]] and aggressive [[person]], insisted on accompanying him. She feared being left alone lest the [[child]] be born while Joseph was away, and again, [[Bethlehem]] being not far from the City of Judah, Mary foresaw a possible pleasurable visit with her kinswoman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_(biblical_person)Elizabeth Elizabeth].

122:7.2 It was not [[necessary]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] should go to [[Bethlehem]] for enrollment—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was authorized to register for his [[family]]—but Mary, being an [[adventurous]] and aggressive [[person]], insisted on accompanying him. She feared being left alone lest the [[child]] be born while Joseph was away, and again, [[Bethlehem]] being not far from the City of Judah, Mary foresaw a possible pleasurable visit with her kinswoman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_(biblical_person)Elizabeth Elizabeth].

122:7.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] virtually forbade [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] to accompany him, but it was of no avail; when the food was packed for the trip of three or four days, she prepared double rations and made ready for the [[journey]]. But before they actually set forth, Joseph was [[reconciled]] to Mary's going along, and they cheerfully departed from [[Nazareth]] at the break of day.

122:7.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] virtually forbade [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] to accompany him, but it was of no avail; when the food was packed for the trip of three or four days, she prepared double rations and made ready for the [[journey]]. But before they actually set forth, Joseph was [[reconciled]] to Mary's going along, and they cheerfully departed from [[Nazareth]] at the break of day.

122:7.4 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were poor, and since they had only one beast of burden, Mary, being large with child, rode on the animal with the provisions while Joseph walked, [[leading]] the beast. The building and furnishing of a [[home]] had been a great drain on Joseph since he had also to contribute to the [[support]] of his [[parents]], as his [[father]] had been recently [[disabled]]. And so this [[Jewish]] couple went forth from their [[humble]] [[home]] early on the morning of August 18, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.], on their [[journey]] to [[Bethlehem]].

122:7.4 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were poor, and since they had only one beast of burden, Mary, being large with child, rode on the animal with the provisions while Joseph walked, [[leading]] the beast. The building and furnishing of a [[home]] had been a great drain on Joseph since he had also to contribute to the [[support]] of his [[parents]], as his [[father]] had been recently [[disabled]]. And so this [[Jewish]] couple went forth from their [[humble]] [[home]] early on the morning of August 18, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.], on their [[journey]] to [[Bethlehem]].

122:7.5 Their first day of [[travel]] carried them around the foothills of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa], where they camped for the night by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river river Jordan] and engaged in many [[speculation]]s as to what sort of a son would be born to them, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] adhering to the [[concept]] of a [[spiritual]] [[teacher]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] holding to the [[idea]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah], a deliverer of the [[Hebrew]] [[nation]].

122:7.5 Their first day of [[travel]] carried them around the foothills of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa], where they camped for the night by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river river Jordan] and engaged in many [[speculation]]s as to what sort of a son would be born to them, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] adhering to the [[concept]] of a [[spiritual]] [[teacher]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] holding to the [[idea]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah], a deliverer of the [[Hebrew]] [[nation]].

122:7.6 Bright and early the morning of August 19, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were again on their way. They partook of their noontide meal at the foot of [http://www.flickr.com/photos/labanga/3030473153/ Mount Sartaba], overlooking the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley], and journeyed on, making Jericho for the night, where they stopped at an inn on the highway in the outskirts of the city. Following the evening meal and after much [[discussion]] concerning the oppressiveness of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman rule], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], the [[census]] enrollment, and the comparative [[influence]] of [[Jerusalem]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] as centers of [[Jewish]] learning and [[culture]], the [[Nazareth]] travelers retired for the night's rest. Early in the morning of August 20 they resumed their [[journey]], reaching [[Jerusalem]] before noon, visiting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_temple temple], and going on to their destination, arriving at [[Bethlehem]] in midafternoon.

122:7.6 Bright and early the morning of August 19, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were again on their way. They partook of their noontide meal at the foot of [http://www.flickr.com/photos/labanga/3030473153/ Mount Sartaba], overlooking the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley], and journeyed on, making Jericho for the night, where they stopped at an inn on the highway in the outskirts of the city. Following the evening meal and after much [[discussion]] concerning the oppressiveness of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman rule], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], the [[census]] enrollment, and the comparative [[influence]] of [[Jerusalem]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] as centers of [[Jewish]] learning and [[culture]], the [[Nazareth]] travelers retired for the night's rest. Early in the morning of August 20 they resumed their [[journey]], reaching [[Jerusalem]] before noon, visiting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_temple temple], and going on to their destination, arriving at [[Bethlehem]] in midafternoon.

122:7.7 The inn was overcrowded, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] accordingly sought lodgings with distant [[relatives]], but every room in [[Bethlehem]] was filled to overflowing. On returning to the courtyard of the inn, he was informed that the caravan stables, hewn out of the side of the rock and situated just below the inn, had been cleared of [[animals]] and cleaned up for the reception of lodgers. Leaving the donkey in the courtyard, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] shouldered their bags of clothing and provisions and with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] descended the stone steps to their lodgings below. They found themselves located in what had been a grain storage room to the front of the stalls and mangers. Tent curtains had been hung, and they counted themselves fortunate to have such comfortable quarters.

122:7.7 The inn was overcrowded, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] accordingly sought lodgings with distant [[relatives]], but every room in [[Bethlehem]] was filled to overflowing. On returning to the courtyard of the inn, he was informed that the caravan stables, hewn out of the side of the rock and situated just below the inn, had been cleared of [[animals]] and cleaned up for the reception of lodgers. Leaving the donkey in the courtyard, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] shouldered their bags of clothing and provisions and with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] descended the stone steps to their lodgings below. They found themselves located in what had been a grain storage room to the front of the stalls and mangers. Tent curtains had been hung, and they counted themselves fortunate to have such comfortable quarters.

122:8.5 At the noontide [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] the [[seraphim]] of [[Urantia]], assembled under their directors, did sing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthem anthems] of [[glory]] over the [[Bethlehem]] manger, but these utterances of [[praise]] were not heard by [[human]] ears. No shepherds nor any other [[mortal]] [[creatures]] came to pay [[homage]] to the babe of [[Bethlehem]] until the day of the arrival of certain [[priests]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur], who were sent down from [[Jerusalem]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias].

122:8.5 At the noontide [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] the [[seraphim]] of [[Urantia]], assembled under their directors, did sing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthem anthems] of [[glory]] over the [[Bethlehem]] manger, but these utterances of [[praise]] were not heard by [[human]] ears. No shepherds nor any other [[mortal]] [[creatures]] came to pay [[homage]] to the babe of [[Bethlehem]] until the day of the arrival of certain [[priests]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur], who were sent down from [[Jerusalem]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias].

122:8.6 These [[priests]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] had been told sometime before by a strange [[religious]] [[teacher]] of their country that he had had a [[dream]] in which he was informed that " the light of life "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] was about to appear on [[earth]] as a babe and among the [[Jews]]. And thither went these [[three]] [[teachers]] looking for this " light of life. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] After many weeks of futile search in [[Jerusalem]], they were about to return to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] met them and disclosed his [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was the object of their quest and sent them on to [[Bethlehem]], where they found the babe and left their [[gifts]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother of Jesus) Mary], his earth [[mother]]. The babe was almost three weeks old at the time of their [[visit]].

122:8.6 These [[priests]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] had been told sometime before by a strange [[religious]] [[teacher]] of their country that he had had a [[dream]] in which he was informed that " the light of life "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] was about to appear on [[earth]] as a babe and among the [[Jews]]. And thither went these [[three]] [[teachers]] looking for this " light of life. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] After many weeks of futile search in [[Jerusalem]], they were about to return to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] met them and disclosed his [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was the object of their quest and sent them on to [[Bethlehem]], where they found the babe and left their [[gifts]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother of Jesus) Mary], his earth [[mother]]. The babe was almost three weeks old at the time of their [[visit]].

122:8.7 These [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi wise men] saw no [[star]] to guide them to [[Bethlehem]]. The [[beautiful]] [[legend]] of the [http://www.bethlehemstar.net/ star of Bethlehem] originated in this way: [[Jesus]] was [[born]] August 21 at noon, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.] On May 29, 7 B.C., there occurred an extraordinary [http://www.astronomynotes.com/history/bethlehem-star.html conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces]. And it is a remarkable [[astronomic]] [[fact]] that similar conjunctions occurred on September 29 and December 5 of the same year. Upon the basis of these extraordinary but wholly [[natural]] [[events]] the well-meaning [[zealots]] of the succeeding [[generation]] constructed the appealing [[legend]] of the [http://www.bethlehemstar.net/ star of Bethlehem] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi adoring Magi] led thereby to the manger, where they beheld and [[worshiped]] the newborn babe. [[Oriental]] and near-Oriental [[minds]] delight in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_tales fairy stories], and they are continually spinning such [[beautiful]] [[myths]] about the lives of their [[religious]] [[leaders]] and [[political]] [[heroes]]. In the [[absence]] of [[printing]], when most [[human]] [[knowledge]] was passed by [[Orality|word of mouth]] from one [[generation]] to another, it was very easy for [[myths]] to become [[traditions]] and for traditions [[eventually]] to become [[accepted]] as [[facts]].

122:8.7 These [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi wise men] saw no [[star]] to guide them to [[Bethlehem]]. The [[beautiful]] [[legend]] of the [http://www.bethlehemstar.net/ star of Bethlehem] originated in this way: [[Jesus]] was [[born]] August 21 at noon, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_BC 7 B.C.] On May 29, 7 B.C., there occurred an extraordinary [http://www.astronomynotes.com/history/bethlehem-star.html conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces]. And it is a remarkable [[astronomic]] [[fact]] that similar conjunctions occurred on September 29 and December 5 of the same year. Upon the basis of these extraordinary but wholly [[natural]] [[events]] the well-meaning [[zealots]] of the succeeding [[generation]] constructed the appealing [[legend]] of the [http://www.bethlehemstar.net/ star of Bethlehem] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi adoring Magi] led thereby to the manger, where they beheld and [[worshiped]] the newborn babe. [[Oriental]] and near-Oriental [[minds]] delight in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_tales fairy stories], and they are continually spinning such [[beautiful]] [[myths]] about the lives of their [[religious]] [[leaders]] and [[political]] [[heroes]]. In the [[absence]] of [[printing]], when most [[human]] [[knowledge]] was passed by [[Orality|word of mouth]] from one [[generation]] to another, it was very easy for [[myths]] to become [[traditions]] and for traditions [[eventually]] to become [[accepted]] as [[facts]].

==122:9. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE==

==122:9. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE==

122:9.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had taught the [[Jews]] that every first-born son belonged to the Lord, and that, in lieu of his [[sacrifice]] as was the [[custom]] among the [[heathen]] nations, such a son might live provided his [[parents]] would redeem him by the payment of five shekels to any authorized [[priest]]. There was also a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosaic_law#Mosaic_law Mosaic ordinance] which directed that a [[mother]], after the passing of a certain period of time, should present herself (or have someone make the proper [[sacrifice]] for her) at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] for purification. It was customary to [[perform]] both of these [[ceremonies]] at the same time. Accordingly, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] went up to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple the temple] at [[Jerusalem]] in person to present [[Jesus]] to the [[priests]] and effect his redemption and also to make the proper [[sacrifice]] to insure [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[ceremonial]] purification from the alleged uncleanness of [[childbirth]].

122:9.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had taught the [[Jews]] that every first-born son belonged to the Lord, and that, in lieu of his [[sacrifice]] as was the [[custom]] among the [[heathen]] nations, such a son might live provided his [[parents]] would redeem him by the payment of five shekels to any authorized [[priest]]. There was also a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosaic_law#Mosaic_law Mosaic ordinance] which directed that a [[mother]], after the passing of a certain period of time, should present herself (or have someone make the proper [[sacrifice]] for her) at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] for purification. It was customary to [[perform]] both of these [[ceremonies]] at the same time. Accordingly, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] went up to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple the temple] at [[Jerusalem]] in person to present [[Jesus]] to the [[priests]] and effect his redemption and also to make the proper [[sacrifice]] to insure [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[ceremonial]] purification from the alleged uncleanness of [[childbirth]].

122:9.2 There lingered constantly about the [[courts]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] two remarkable characters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis Simeon a singer] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna a poetess]. Simeon was a [[Judean]], but Anna was a [[Galilean]]. This couple were frequently in each other's company, and both were intimates of the [[priest]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], who had confided the [[secret]] of [[John the Baptist|John]] and [[Jesus]] to them. Both Simeon and Anna longed for the coming of the [[Messiah]], and their [[confidence]] in Zacharias led them to believe that [[Jesus]] was the expected deliverer of the [[Jewish]] people.

122:9.2 There lingered constantly about the [[courts]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple the temple] two remarkable characters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis Simeon a singer] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna a poetess]. Simeon was a [[Judean]], but Anna was a [[Galilean]]. This couple were frequently in each other's company, and both were intimates of the [[priest]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], who had confided the [[secret]] of [[John the Baptist|John]] and [[Jesus]] to them. Both Simeon and Anna longed for the coming of the [[Messiah]], and their [[confidence]] in Zacharias led them to believe that [[Jesus]] was the expected deliverer of the [[Jewish]] people.

122:9.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] knew the day [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were expected to appear at the [[temple]] with [[Jesus]], and he had prearranged with Simeon and Anna to indicate, by the [[salute]] of his upraised hand, which one in the [[procession]] of first-born [[children]] was [[Jesus]].

122:9.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] knew the day [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were expected to appear at the [[temple]] with [[Jesus]], and he had prearranged with Simeon and Anna to indicate, by the [[salute]] of his upraised hand, which one in the [[procession]] of first-born [[children]] was [[Jesus]].

122:9.4 For this occasion [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna] had written a [[poem]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis Simeon] proceeded to sing, much to the astonishment of Joseph, Mary, and all who were assembled in the [[temple]] [[courts]]. And this was their [[hymn]] of the redemption of the first-born son:

122:9.4 For this occasion [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna] had written a [[poem]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis Simeon] proceeded to sing, much to the astonishment of Joseph, Mary, and all who were assembled in the [[temple]] [[courts]]. And this was their [[hymn]] of the redemption of the first-born son:

:And the [[glory]] of your people [[Israel]].

:And the [[glory]] of your people [[Israel]].

122:9.28 On the way back to [[Bethlehem]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were [[silent]]—[[confused]] and overawed. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much disturbed by the farewell salutation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna], the aged poetess, and Joseph was not in [[harmony]] with this premature [[effort]] to make [[Jesus]] out to be the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism expected Messiah of the Jewish people].

122:9.28 On the way back to [[Bethlehem]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] were [[silent]]—[[confused]] and overawed. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much disturbed by the farewell salutation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_(Bible) Anna], the aged poetess, and Joseph was not in [[harmony]] with this premature [[effort]] to make [[Jesus]] out to be the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism expected Messiah of the Jewish people].

==122:10.HEROD ACTS==

==122:10.HEROD ACTS==

122:10.1 But the watchers for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod] were not inactive. When they reported to him the [[visit]] of the [[priests]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] to [[Bethlehem]], Herod summoned these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldeans] to appear before him. He inquired [[diligently]] of these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi wise men] about the new " [[king]] of the [[Jews]], " but they gave him little [[satisfaction]], explaining that the babe had been born of a [[woman]] who had come down to [[Bethlehem]] with her [[husband]] for the [[census]] enrollment. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod], not being satisfied with this answer, sent them forth with a purse and directed that they should find the [[child]] so that he too might come and [[worship]] him, since they had [[declared]] that his kingdom was to be [[spiritual]], not [[temporal]]. But when the wise men did not return, Herod grew [[suspicious]]. As he turned these things over in his [[mind]], his informers returned and made full report of the recent occurrences in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], bringing him a copy of parts of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_Dimittis Simeon song] which had been sung at the redemption ceremonies of [[Jesus]]. But they had failed to follow [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod] was very angry with them when they could not tell him whither the pair had taken the babe. He then dispatched searchers to locate Joseph and Mary. Knowing Herod pursued the [[Nazareth]] family, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] remained away from [[Bethlehem]]. The boy baby was [[secret]]ed with Joseph's [[relatives]].

122:10.1 But the watchers for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod] were not inactive. When they reported to him the [[visit]] of the [[priests]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] to [[Bethlehem]], Herod summoned these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldeans] to appear before him. He inquired [[diligently]] of these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi wise men] about the new " [[king]] of the [[Jews]], " but they gave him little [[satisfaction]], explaining that the babe had been born of a [[woman]] who had come down to [[Bethlehem]] with her [[husband]] for the [[census]] enrollment. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod], not being satisfied with this answer, sent them forth with a purse and directed that they should find the [[child]] so that he too might come and [[worship]] him, since they had [[declared]] that his kingdom was to be [[spiritual]], not [[temporal]]. But when the wise men did not return, Herod grew [[suspicious]]. As he turned these things over in his [[mind]], his informers returned and made full report of the recent occurrences in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], bringing him a copy of parts of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_Dimittis Simeon song] which had been sung at the redemption ceremonies of [[Jesus]]. But they had failed to follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod] was very angry with them when they could not tell him whither the pair had taken the babe. He then dispatched searchers to locate Joseph and Mary. Knowing Herod pursued the [[Nazareth]] family, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] remained away from [[Bethlehem]]. The boy baby was [[secret]]ed with Joseph's [[relatives]].

122:10.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was afraid to seek [[work]], and their small savings were rapidly disappearing. Even at the time of the purification ceremonies at the [[temple]], Joseph deemed himself sufficiently [[poor]] to warrant his offering for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] two young pigeons as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had directed for the purification of mothers among the [[poor]].

122:10.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was afraid to seek [[work]], and their small savings were rapidly disappearing. Even at the time of the purification ceremonies at the [[temple]], Joseph deemed himself sufficiently [[poor]] to warrant his offering for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] two young pigeons as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had directed for the purification of mothers among the [[poor]].

122:10.3 When, after more than a year of searching, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s spies had not located [[Jesus]], and because of the [[suspicion]] that the babe was still concealed in [[Bethlehem]], he prepared an order directing that a systematic search be made of every house in Bethlehem, and that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents all boy babies under two years of age should be killed]. In this [[manner]] Herod hoped to make sure that this child who was to become " king of the Jews " would be destroyed. And thus perished in one day sixteen boy babies in [[Bethlehem]] of [[Judea]]. But [[intrigue]] and [[murder]], even in his own immediate [[family]], were common occurrences at the [[court]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod].

122:10.3 When, after more than a year of searching, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s spies had not located [[Jesus]], and because of the [[suspicion]] that the babe was still concealed in [[Bethlehem]], he prepared an order directing that a systematic search be made of every house in Bethlehem, and that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents all boy babies under two years of age should be killed]. In this [[manner]] Herod hoped to make sure that this child who was to become " king of the Jews " would be destroyed. And thus perished in one day sixteen boy babies in [[Bethlehem]] of [[Judea]]. But [[intrigue]] and [[murder]], even in his own immediate [[family]], were common occurrences at the [[court]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod].

122:10.4 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents massacre of these infants] took place about the middle of October, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6_BC 6 B.C.], when [[Jesus]] was a little over one year of age. But there were believers in the coming [[Messiah]] even among [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s court attachés, and one of these, learning of the order to slaughter the [[Bethlehem]] boy babies, [[communicated]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], who in turn dispatched a [[messenger]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]; and the night before the massacre [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] departed from [[Bethlehem]] with the babe for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] in Egypt. In order to avoid attracting [[attention]], they [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_to_Egypt journeyed alone to Egypt] with [[Jesus]]. They went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] on funds provided by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], and there [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] worked at his trade while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and [[Jesus]] lodged with well-to-do [[relatives]] of Joseph's [[family]]. They sojourned in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] two full years, not returning to [[Bethlehem]] until after the [[death]] of Herod.

122:10.4 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents massacre of these infants] took place about the middle of October, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6_BC 6 B.C.], when [[Jesus]] was a little over one year of age. But there were believers in the coming [[Messiah]] even among [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s court attachés, and one of these, learning of the order to slaughter the [[Bethlehem]] boy babies, [[communicated]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], who in turn dispatched a [[messenger]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]; and the night before the massacre [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] departed from [[Bethlehem]] with the babe for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] in Egypt. In order to avoid attracting [[attention]], they [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_to_Egypt journeyed alone to Egypt] with [[Jesus]]. They went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] on funds provided by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias], and there [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] worked at his trade while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and [[Jesus]] lodged with well-to-do [[relatives]] of Joseph's [[family]]. They sojourned in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] two full years, not returning to [[Bethlehem]] until after the [[death]] of Herod.

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_123 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_121 Go to Previous Paper]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_123 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_121 Go to Previous Paper]</center>

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]