A message preached on January 9, 2022 at a Ukrainian church in Syracuse, NY.

"The Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:1-10. Mark 1:2-6. Luke 3:1-14. John 1:19-23.

The newborn Jesus is sheltered from the murderous Herod. A glimpse inside His childhood. Matthew 2:13-23. Luke 2:41-52. 

Joseph and Mary bring the newborn Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for a special ceremony, encountering some interesting characters in the process. Luke 2:21-40

The birth of Jesus was largely unnoticed, but it was not without recognition among these two distinct groups of people. Matthew 2:1-12. Luke 2:8-20.

Joseph and Mary are given a monumental task of helping bring Jesus into the world. Matthew 1:18-25. Luke 2:1-7.

With John the Baptist being born, his father Zechariah regains the ability to speak and proceeds to prophecy about the significance of the event.  Also discussed are the two genealogies of Jesus (more interesting than it sounds). Luke 1:57-80. Matthew 1:1-17. Luke 3:23-38. 

The angel announces to Mary about her role in the upcoming birth of the Messiah. Mary then visits her relative Elizabeth. Luke 1:26-56.