CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR
This is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ using stamps as images. The stamps are matched with the Bible verses found in the book of Micah and the gospels of Luke and Mark.
The Story of Jesus Christ: An Ancient Ruler from Everlasting
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Anguilla, 20 cents, Christmas 1972; “The Star of Bethlehem”
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: The Annunciation
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Australia, 36 cents, Christmas 1989; “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: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: The Baby in a Manger in Bethlehem
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Anguilla, 25 cents, Christmas 1972; “The Holy Family”
“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. 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 2:4-7 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: The Good News of Great Joy
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Australia, 41 cents, Christmas 1989; “Annunciation to the Shepherds”
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 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.” (Luke 2:8-11 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: Glory to God in the Highest
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Australia, $1, Christmas 1995; “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”
“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.” (Luke 2:13-14 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: Child Jesus and Mary
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Australia, 40 cents, Christmas 1995; “At Bethlehem”
“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. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:15-17 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: The Visit of the Three Kings
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Anguilla, 40 cents, Christmas 1972; “Arrival of the Magi”
“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.” (Matthew 2:1-2 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: The Adoration of the Three Kings
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Australia, 50 cents, Christmas 1989; “Adoration of the Magi”
“When they [Magi] saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child [Jesus] with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11 / KJV)
The Story of Jesus Christ: Escape to Egypt
Philatelic Item: Stamp from Anguilla, 1 cent, Christmas 1972; “Flight into Egypt”
“And when they [Magi] were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child [Jesus] and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.” (Matthew 2:13-14 / KJV)
