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Christmas 2021: The Birth of Jesus on Philippine Stamps [Navidad 2021: El Nacimiento de Jesús en Sellos Filipinos]

In 1989, the Philippine post office issued a set of Christmas stamps which depicted, partially, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Each stamp had a title. The titles served as points in Christ’s birth timeline, and the author of this article matched the titles with the passages found in the KJV Bible.

“Annunciation” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - 60s
“Annunciation” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - 60s

Annunciation

“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. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” (Luke 1:26-32 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

“Visitation” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - 75s
“Visitation” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - 75s

Visitation

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda: And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:39-45 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

“Journey to Bethlehem” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P1.00
“Journey to Bethlehem” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P1.00

Journey to Bethlehem

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:1-5 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

“Search for the Inn” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P2.00
“Search for the Inn” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P2.00

Search for the Inn

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

“Appearance of the Star” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P4.00
“Appearance of the Star” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P4.00

Appearance of the Star

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” (Matthew 1:1-6 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

“The Birth of Jesus Christ” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P4.75
“The Birth of Jesus Christ” on Philippine Stamp of 1989 - P4.75

The Birth of Jesus Christ

“And the angel said unto them [shepherds in the night field], Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 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 2:10-17 / KJV Bible Online 2021)

Actual Size of the 1989 Philippine Christmas Stamps
Actual Size of the 1989 Philippine Christmas Stamps