child and communicate what they have seen and heard. Some are astonished, but Mary ponders and reflects on these matters. One of the major themes of the story is that God’s covenant of peace is granted to those on whom his gracious favor rests. II. Preparation for Jesus’ Ministry (1:5–4:13) … B. Two Sons Born (1:57–2:52) … 2. Birth of Jesus (2:1–52) … b. Revelation of the Christ to the Shepherds (2:8–20) 2:8–10 It is often said that the shepherds were despised in Jewish culture,
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