Having encouraged the Roman Christians to be sensitive and kind to each other, Paul encourages them to have a long-term commitment to Jesus. He explains that the Old Testament is full of encouraging examples of faith. He traces the purpose of God to start with the Jewish nation and then to bring in the Gentiles to the faith.

The identity, origin and journey of the Magi are all discussed. Links trace back to the Old Testament. The star phenomena is considered. Herod the Great is introduced and the effect of the Magi's visit.

A Roman census meant Jesus was born in simple accommodation in Bethlehem. Information is given about Bethlehem - the town of King David. Shepherds are surprised by a great light and angels announcing the birth. They visit the family.

Joseph is reassured by an angel in a dream. Matthew quotes from the Old Testament which is explained, together with three forms of Old Testament prophecy used in the New Testament. Joseph and Mary marry.

Mary and Elizabeth are related and miraculous births are happening for both. They spend three months together. Mary's prophetic song is studied statement by statement.

The virgin Mary is engaged to Joseph. They live in Nazareth. Luke gives details of the angel visit and Mary's response. Jesus is uniquely God and man. Mary is seen to be faithful.

Matthew wrote for the Jews. The genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Abraham, the father of the nation. Matthew traces the ancestry through Joseph but Luke through Mary. Ancestry was important to Jews.