The birth of Jesus Christ took place as follows:--His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but, before the marriage took place, she found herself to be with child by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Be glad and rejoice, because your reward in Heaven will be great; for so men persecuted the Prophets who lived before you.

Let your light so shine before the eyes of your fellow men, that, seeing your good actions, they may praise your Father who is in Heaven.

Leave your gift there, before the altar, go and be reconciled to your brother, first, then come and present your gift.

Do not imitate them; for God, your Father, knows what you need before you ask him.

Do not give what is sacred to dogs; nor yet throw your pearls before pigs, lest they should trample them under their feet, and then turn and attack you.

And he saw a leper who came up, and bowed to the ground before him, and said: "Master, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean."

Suddenly they shrieked out: "What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before our time?"

While Jesus was saying this, a President of a Synagogue came up and bowed to the ground before him. "My daughter," he said, "Has just died; but come and place your hand on her, and she will be restored to life."

And you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, that you may witness for me before them and the nations.

But, when they persecute you in one town, escape to the next; for, I tell you, you will not have come to the end of the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Every one, therefore, who shall acknowledge me before his fellow men, I, too, will acknowledge before my Father who is in Heaven;

But, if any one disowns me before his fellow men, I, too, will disown him before my Father who is in Heaven.

This is the man of whom Scripture says--'Behold, I am myself sending my Messenger before thy face, And he shall prepare thy way before thee.'

But, when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before his guests, and so pleased Herod,

But the men in the boat threw themselves on their faces before him, and said: "You are indeed God's Son."

But the woman came, and, bowing to the ground before him, said: "Master, help me."

There his appearance was transformed before their eyes; his face shown like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, and, kneeling down before him, said:

"Yes," answered Peter. But, on going into the house, before he could speak, Jesus said: "What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings take taxes or tribute? From their sons, or from others?"

Thereupon the servant threw himself down on the ground before him and said 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'

When his fellow-servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and went to their master and laid the whole matter before him.

So the men went. Going out again about mid-day and about three o'clock, he did as before.

Which of the two sons did as his father wished?" " The second," they said. "I tell you," added Jesus, "that tax-gatherers and prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God before you.

A second time the owner sent some servants, a larger number than before, and the tenants treated them in the same way.

Before the Pharisees separated, Jesus put this question to them--

In those days before the flood they went on eating and drinking, marrying and being married, up to the very day on which Noah entered the ark,

And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people--just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats- -

But, after I have risen, I shall go before you into Galilee."

"I tell you," replied Jesus, "that this very night, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times!"

But Peter denied it before them all. "I do not know what you mean," he replied.

and Peter remembered the words which Jesus had said-- 'Before a cock has crowed, you will disown me three times'; and he went outside, and wept bitterly.

Meanwhile Jesus was brought before the Roman Governor. "Are you the King of the Jews?" asked the Governor. "It is true," answered Jesus.

And having twisted some thorns into a crown, put it on his head, and a rod in his right hand, and then, going down on their knees before him, they mocked him. "Long life to you, King of the Jews!" they said.

And laid it in his newly-made tomb which he had cut in the rock; and, before he left, he rolled a great stone against the entrance of the tomb.

And then go quickly and say to him disciples 'He has risen from the dead, and is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Remember, I have told you."

Suddenly Jesus met them. "Welcome!" he said. The women went up to him, and clasped his feet, bowing to the ground before him. Then Jesus said to them:

"And should this matter come before the Governor," they added, "we will satisfy him, and see that you have nothing to fear."

And, when they saw him, they bowed to the ground before him; although some felt doubtful.