Bye, Freshman Year

It's May. Woah. How did the year go by so fast? Is it even possible that I only have 1 more week of my Freshman year of college? I have learned so much in this year, and I know that I have grown during my time here. Here are the top lessons that I have learned since going to college.

1. It's hard. College is hard. The workload is hard, being on your own is hard, living with 20 other people is hard. It's hard, but its worth it. I have made the best of friends since being here, and I have grown closer to God by relying on Him to get me through the tough days. The workload is stressful, but always doable, and you can lean on your dorm-mates to encourage you when you feel overwhelmed in homework. Even though it's hard, college is a beautiful adventure.

2. Be silly. Seriously, though. Don't take life too seriously. There is a time to be serious and a time to have fun. Go outside and play frisbee with your friends. Go stargazing. Walk around campus barefoot. Play random games of floor is lava. Build a blanket fort in the dorm lobby. Refer to everything having to do with your dorm beginning with sw- (Okay, maybe that's just my dorm. But for real: Swabby, sward, Swall Council... the list is endless.) But really, college is a great time to enjoy life, and enjoy the company you have.

3. Always walk on the outside of the sidewalk. This mostly only concerns me, and the fact that I got run over by a bike the first day of classes in the fall. So, incoming freshman, all the advice you need is to stay on the edge of the sidewalk.

4. Compromise is key. You absolutely will not always agree with your roommate, and that's why you have to learn that the best way to resolve roommate conflict is to talk it out. Hear each other out, and see where you both see eye-to-eye, and where you don't. Find common ground, and go from there. For your roommate life to be the best it can be, you have to learn to compromise, but above everything, love each other unconditionally.

5. God is good. So, I already knew this one, but, wow, have I been reassured of it over and over again. God made it possible for me to come to Taylor in the first place, and has provided me with supportive parents, beautiful new sisters, a fun-loving dorm, and a year to reflect back on and thank Him for.

This year has been a great one, and as I reflect back on that first day, when my face was tear-stained as my family travelled back home, I think of how terrified I was, and how big the campus felt. I now feel at home here, and I am sad to see the changes that will be next year, as my roommates and I go our separate ways, new beginnings and friends graduating, but I eagerly await the greatness that will come in the next 3 years. So, goodbye Freshman year, you have been good to me.

Megan

ReaLife

Back in August, when I was brand new to Taylor and looking for ways to get involved, I crossed paths with a ministry called ReaLife. ReaLife works in partnership with the Boys and Girls club to give inner-city students grades Kindergarten through 8th a safe place where they can play, enjoy a meal, and most of all learn about God. A lot of these kids come from hard backgrounds, and just need somewhere where they can relax and be listened to and reminded that they are valued and loved by God. I have loved working with ReaLife, and I love these kids!

Watch this video to see ReaLife in action! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjVcRVVNlPw&feature=youtu.be

ReaLife has had a HUGE turnout this past year, with attendance tripling from an average of 50 kids a night to an average of 150 or more a night. This is amazing, but we don't have the resources to provide for this many students. We want to keep the ministry going, and not have to turn anyone away. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this spring so that we can continue this ministry.

We need your prayers that we can raise this money and continue our ministry. Every little amount helps, so if you're willing and able, you can donate here. https://secure.touchnet.com/C21485_us…/…/product_detail.jsp…

Thanks so much for reading all the way through this!! You are affecting a child's future!!!

Top 4 Misconceptions about Swallow Robin

Hey all!

So, I am currently going to college at TU in Indiana, and I live in the smallest dorm on campus. My dorm, Swallow Robin hall, holds 50 women and 25 men. This is significant in comparison to the other dorms holding 300 each. Because we're so small, we are often given stereotypes or even completely forgotten about. I've been living here for over a month now, and I'd like to give you the top 4 misconceptions of Swallow Robin Hall.

1. We're all shy.

This is probably one of the most common stereotypes we hear about Swallow. We are not all shy. Yes, there may be one or two shy people, but that doesn't mean we're all shy. There are shy people who live in Olson or Wengatz too. Don't generalize us.

Story- Campus was having a giant 24 hour campus visit for prospective students last week and there was a few of them sitting at the table that is usually where Swallow people sit at meals. (Before you generalize again, everyone has a "designated wing table" that they sit at.) So, to be kind, we moved to a new table instead of crashing their party and sitting down at their table with them. We sat at the table directly next to the other. While we're sitting there, we hear someone talking to prospectives about dorm stereotypes and I hear the TU student sitting with them say, "And Swallow people are all super shy and never talk to anyone..." Wow. Did I so want to pop over to them and say, "Hi! I'm from Swallow. We are very outgoing and are you aware that you are currently sitting at our table?" I refrained.

2. Swallow is where the weirdos live.

This hurts, but it's totally something we've all heard before. One of my friends who lives in English Hall was having a conversation with her wing mates and one says that her sister told her that everyone in Swallow is weird. Newsflash- you're generalizing again! Maybe your sister met someone who lived in Swallow and was a little off-kilter, but we are not all like that! Take some time to get to know us and you might really like us. Swallow residents make the greatest friends in my opinion.

3. Swallow is where they put the Irish Studies people.

Yup. I've heard this one to my face after I told them that I lived in Swallow. No one in Swallow is currently in Ireland. We have one person in Ecuador, but that's it. And how would it make any sense to have all of the Irish studies students together in one dorm. The dorm would literally be empty for an entire semester. Nope. We live here, all 70 of us, and we like it.

And lastly,

4. Swallow doesn't actually exist.

I don't know how this makes any sense at all, but I have heard someone say that they believed Swallow was a conspiracy because they had never met anyone from Swallow before. We may be small, but we are mighty. Wherever I go I see at least one other person from Swallow. We are here, you just have to look harder.

So there you have it. The top 4 things we hear while living in Swallow Robin. While we may have the longest walk to the DC or the KSAC, we are the closest people to Chic-fil-A and above all, we are a family. Not just our wing or our floor, but the entire dorm. A close-knit family, and that's why I love Swallow.

Megan

College

Hello!

So, I have officially started college! Wow, that's going to take some getting used to! A lot of things have happened in the 3 days I've been here. There have been awesome times and hard times. Such a drastic change in your life is such a crazy feeling, something that you really don't understand (and honestly, can't) until you have experienced it face-to-face. The feeling of being alone and yet over stimulated simultaneously is not describable. It's hard, but it's not impossible.  While I'm writing this, God is actively reminding me that He's with me. That He is protecting me. That He has me exactly where He wants me. In my earbuds I can hear Him reminding me that He's "my shelter through the storm" and "my peace when waves of trouble roll." He is my refuge. No matter how far I am from where I'm comfortable, He's still with me and He is still protecting me.

Now, let me tell you about my first weekend at college!

I got here Friday morning, and the emotions were hot. I was terrified that my roommates were not going to like me, or were not going to be as excited to be friends as I was. That first introduction period was awkward, as expected. It took awhile for us to really open up to each other. We attended the dedication chapel of our freshman class Friday evening. Friday night I got to be a part of my first TU tradition (Taylor is all about the crazy traditions. Google "TU Silent Night.") My floor and our Brother Floor went on an Awk-walk. An Awkward Walk. The name says it all. We walked in two lines, girls in one line, guys in the other. As we walked, we were given an action to do and a question to ask each other. After every question we switched partners and continued on with a new action and question. The actions were anywhere from holding hand and interlocking fingers, to walking with our foreheads put together. I think my favorite question would probably be "What famous person would you least want to be siamese twins with?". I of course said Ryan Lochte! My partner said Obama. ;) The Awk walk is a great way to meet new people and start to break away your shell a little! It was so fun.

Saturday we got to spend our last bit of time with our families before they had to leave. That time was great. They left after lunch, and then we spent time with our O Groups, or Orientation groups. We get to spend time every week for the first half of the semester with these groups to just talk about our transition and learn with each other about our God. I got randomly chosen, along with about 50 other students to take a test on student proficiency. It reminded me of the ACT. At least it was only 40 minutes in all and we got rewarded with candy! ;) Later Saturday we had a back-to-school party with the whole campus next to the lake. It was such a great way to meet new people and break a little bit more of our shell away. It was so fun, but so sweaty as it's been a steady 85 degrees with 90% humidity all weekend! Lot's of dancing, lots of talking, laughing and little worries!

Today is Sunday, and we had a back-to-school chapel for church this morning, we'll go to a local church from now on. We spent more time with our O groups and  we'll be going to Communion this evening.

So, as you can see, this weekend has been packed. I'm looking forward to starting classes on Tuesday, and I am loving all the craziness!

Love,
Megan

Hope

First off- ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
That is basically how my life has been recently. Stress and anxiety over school work was intense, I'm trying to figure out how to pay for college, and I have been battling a serious case of "senioritis." Saying good-bye to the life I've been so comfortable living is extremely hard. I've finished my competitive swim career (on a high note, I might add), 6 years of Bible Quizzing, and soon my 4-H career will be coming to a close. I just took midterms for my last semester of high school. I know that it's time, but I'm not ready to leave my comfort-zone quite yet. It terrifies me to think of living on my own.

We all feel afraid of the future at some time in our lives. Whether its moving out on your own or a sickness being battles, the future is scary. The one thing that can soothe me when I'm making myself crazy thing about what the future may or may not hold is the fact that I have a God. A God in heaven who is great! A God in heaven who is all-knowing! A God in heaven that cares! He cares about me. He cares about my future, He even has it completely planned out. No amount of worrying on my part will ever change the plans God has for me. In Jeremiah, God tells us that He has plans for our life that are for good. Did you get that?? GOOD! Everything that is going to happen in your future is for your good.

Remember this when life kicks you down; God loves you. He cares about you. Talk to Him. Pour your heart out to Him. He listens, and He wants you to know that His plans are not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope.

Listen Up! ; Guilty

Hi all!
Just a precursor to this blog post; it is completely honest, my heart. This is a huge battle I am facing right now in my life, everyday. If you feel this way, always know that I am here, that you can email me anytime. Find my email address in my profile.

Yesterday I had the immense pleasure of screening God's Not Dead 2, which comes to theaters April 1. It is an amazing movie, with an even greater message. Watch the preview I've attached before you finish this post.

Alright, doesn't that just give you such an excitement? Now, think deep down, would you be able to stand your ground and stand up for Jesus? Would you give up the battle before it even begins? Are you afraid for people to know you are a Christian? Do you skip around your words so that no one will know you love God? 

These are questions that I, unfortunately, answered in a way that I know makes my God so, so sad. My God, who stood up for, and DIED for me. And I can't even tell friends that I listen to Christian music. Why? Am I ashamed? Absolutely not! Am I afraid they'll make fun of me? Why do we have so much trouble merely living our lives joyfully and without worry, just as God tells us to? Why do we have so mush trouble standing up for the God that created us, loved us, died for us? 

Newsboys wrote a song not too long ago called "Guilty", and I'd like you to listen to it now before continuing. 

When did it become breaking a rule
To say your name out loud in school
When your names the only one that sets us free
When did it become incorrect
To speak the truth about life and death
When your life gave us all eternity

Even if it gets me convicted
I'll be on my knees with my hands lifted

If serving you's against the law of man
If living out my faith in you is banned
Then I'll stand right before the jury

If saying I believe is out of line
If I'm judged cause I'm gonna give my life
To show the world the love that fills me
Then I want to be Guilty

I'll rise up and honor you
I'll testify to all the good you do
Cause your Grace and your Mercy have overtaken me

So even if it gets me convicted
I'll be on my knees with my hands lifted

Then I want to be Guilty by association
Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways
Your truth
Your life
I'll pay the price to be your light

My prayer is that my brothers and sisters in Christ and I would be able to speak freely, that we can have the overwhelming excitement and pure joy that God brings to our lives all the time. That we can openly give an answer to where our joy comes from, where our hope is from. That our lives will reflect and shine the Light that gives us life.

I am Yours

I just finished reading an article that I needed to share.

http://www.collegeandseminary.com/college-life/9-sins-christian-college-students-are-ok-with/

I know, the title seems a bit strong, but hang with me. Click on the link and read the ENTIRE article, then come back and read this post.

I don't know about you, but I am feeling big-time conviction. Fear, worry,  apathy, even gluttony... all the sins named, things I would say are not problems I have, but as I read the author's words, I began to see those areas in my life and I never want to go back.

As I gazed over the next sin, each time my stomach dropped, not wanting to see my sins, to feel my disgrace. But, just as the conviction sets in, Jesus comes. I'm not perfect, but He is. He gives me new life. He cleans my sins. That doesn't mean I should continue to sin freely, though. It means I am forgiven. It means I am unconditionally loved. It means that I am His. 

My God hates sin, but loves me. Do you know what that means? It means that I am not my sins. I am not defined by the mistakes I make. I can be forgiven, and wiped clean. In fact, I have already been. God payed the price for my sin. Why did He do that? I'm such a horrible disgrace to Him and His kingdom. Why would He choose to save me? LOVE. He saved me. He saved you. Because He loves me. Because He loves you. Because HE IS LOVE.

God, you are my one and only. You are who I will live for. Not man. Not myself. Not fame. Not fortune. You. Only You. I AM YOURS.
Take me, Lord.

Listen Up! ; Matter

        This band has become one of my favorites because of their lyrics. The words are from the heart, and, through God, they speak to my heart every time I hear them. God speaks to us through so many different ways, and one of them is through music. 

       I've been feeling like God has been telling me that someone reading this post needs to hear this, and I did too, so here it goes- YOU MATTER.

      You matter to God. The One who created you, who unconditionally loves you, who treasures you and who can't wait to have you in His arms. He literally died so that you can live, now if that isn't true love, I don't know what is. Some days, you might feel like no one cares about you, are maybe that you are invisible to people. But that isn't the case! You are loved. You are cherished. You have a husband and he gave his life for you! He is waiting for you at this very moment, waiting for you to accept his proposal and become who he created you to be- His bride. 

       Just step back a moment and say this out loud- "The God of everything wants to marry me." doesn't that scream true love? Amazing love. Beautiful love. TRUE LOVE. 

It doesn't matter how many friends you have here on earth, because your best friend created you and loves you- YOU ARE HIS MASTERPIECE. You matter so, so much. 

Read this song, especially the chorus I made underlined.

 Lord, I pray that you show everyone reading this that you are everything we need, and more. That you are our ultimate true love. That you cherish us dearly, and that you can't wait for us to come running to you, arms open. 

Matter- for KING & COUNTRY

All of the dreams that haven't come true

And all of the hurt that happened to you

It matters, I hope you know it matters

You felt the pain of a bitter defeat

Where the weight of the grief is more bitter than sweet

It matters, I'm telling you it matters

[Chorus:]

To the one who spoke and set the sun ablaze

To the one who stopped the storm and walked the waves

To the one who took the tree so He could say

You matter, I hope you know you matter

I know it's not easy, not saying it's fair

But close as a prayer somebody cares

You're a treasure, don't you know you're treasured

So hold your head high, wait for the dawn

Keep hanging on, your sadness will turn into laughter

Watch it turn into laughter, yeah

[Chorus]

You matter, heaven knows you matter

Let the water spill from your eyes

Let it wash the wounds of those lies

Oh, let the water spill from your eyes

All that you are, all that you’ll be

Someone put the beat in your heart so that you’ll see

You matter

[Chorus]

You matter, heaven knows you matter

You matter, I hope you know you matter

You matter, heaven knows you matter

Listen Up! ; He Knows My Name

Recently, I've felt like I need to live up to be something great. Whatever I do, I want to do it so well, everyone recognizes my name and my accomplishments. We should strive to do our best, but God doesn't care if you are famous. God made you perfect and in His image. If you let Him, he will guide your life exactly the way He designed it. God loves you so much, and His plans are so much better than our dreams could ever be. Read these lyrics and tell me that it doesn't change your place of mind. It sure did change mine, and gave me a huge slap across the face today while I was moping that I haven't gotten a major part in a play for a while.

God is so good, and he gives me simple reminders of that every day through music.

Love,
Megan

He Knows My Name- Francessca Battesteli

Spent today in a conversation

In the mirror face to face with

somebody less than perfect

I wouldn't choose me first if

I was looking for a champion

In fact I'd understand if

You picked everyone before me

But that's just not my story

True to who You are

You saw my heart

and made

Something out of nothing

[Chorus:]

I don't need my name in lights

I'm famous in my Father's eyes

Make no mistake

He knows my name

I'm not living for applause

I'm already so adored

It's all His stage

He knows my name oh, oh,

He knows my name oh, oh

I'm not meant to just stay quiet

I'm meant to be a lion

I'll roar beyond a song

With every moment that I've got

True to who You are

You saw my heart

and made

Something out of nothing

[Chorus]

He calls me chosen, free forgiven, wanted, child of the King,

His forever, held in treasure...

I am loved

I don't need my name in lights...

I'm famous in my Father's eyes...

Celebrate the Savior

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Through this past month our church has been working very diligently on a program for our community sharing the joy of Christ and his gift of salvation for us.
It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle of Christmas. Wrapping presents, shopping, or even working on a program, can all be distractions from the real meaning of Christmas.

Why do we celebrate Christmas. I'm sure most would probably answer "to spend time with family" or "give to those in need". While both of those are great things and wonderful bonuses to Christmas, its not the reason for the season. Christmas is celebrated because of our Savior- Jesus! God sent his ONLY son to earth, into the arms of one of the people who had disobeyed Him and deserved to get punished. But God didn't punish us, he saved us. He sent Jesus to be the only human to ever live a perfect life so that he could die, because sin could only be cleansed by the blood of a perfect sacrifice.

We tend to stay just at the birth of Christ this time of the year. Decorating with nativities and putting of programs of the birth of Jesus. While that was a very special night, the night when God became flesh and lived among us, that wasn't the only day of Jesus' life. He grew up. He live for 30 years and never once sinned. HE WAS PERFECT. He died for us, and defeated death for us! We can live because Christ died! This is the Reason for the Season!!!

While life is hectic and crazy, and your mind is racing a million miles a minute, stop and remember that our Savior isn't just a Christmas fable, He lived. He died. He rose again. HE SAVED YOUR LIFE!

Merry Christmas!
Love, Megan

PS- This Skitguys video is beautiful! Check it out.

Good Friday

Why in the world would anyone name the funeral of our Lord Jesus "Good Friday"?

He bled, they hurled insults at him, mocked him, stole his clothes and then killed him. He died a horrific death and we remember the day as Good Friday. Why?
The answer is short and sweet:

He did it for us.
The blood should have been ours. The insults should have been hurled at us. The death was what we deserved, but he did it for us. Jesus had never sinned. Not even once. He was perfect, yet still fully man, and he felt the pain. We have broken His heart over and over, yet he still chose to save us. Because of this awful day, we can have a forever of wonderful days with Christ.

Watch this video by the Skit Guys and think about what it would have been like to be at Golgotha during his crucifixion.

Because of Christ we can have a
Happy Good Friday

Love, Megan

Listen Up! ; "Once A Year"

Hello all!

           Merry Christmas! This song really got me going recently when it came up on my Pandora feed. I just don't understand why everyone in the world can only get along and be happy just once a year, at Christmas. The song talks about how we only love and have the "Christmas spirit" in December. Christmas time is all year, God never said that we were only allowed to worship him for sending his son for us one time a year, then the rest of the year carry on like it doesn't matter. Listen to the words, let it sink in, then, from now on I will make sure to "...love like its Christmas more than once a year." Smile and the world smiles back. Have a wonderful Christmas! 

~Megan

"Once A Year"
Josh Wilson

Christmas Eve
Mom and dad
Load the car
With grocery bags
They take the kids
And drive downtown
And spend the night
Passing food out

Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas more than once a year?

No one rings a bell
At the mall in June
But nobody said
We can't give then too
And when autumn comes
With its changing leaves
Could we spend more time
With the least of these

Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas more than once a year?

Love is patient, love is kind
Love will always find the time
Love is now and love is here
Love is more than once a year

Once a year December's here and our hearts open up
Once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough
Wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love
Like it's Christmas, oh, more than once a year?

Listen Up! ; "Words"

Hi everyone!
This is a new "segment" for my blog. It's my first weekly post, so be gracious. :)
 It's called "Listen Up!", and is all about the meanings of song lyrics. I have recently been listening a lot more to the words in songs, and less to the music itself. So many wonderfully meaningful songs go unnoticed because people listen only to the music.  Every week, I'll post a song, it's lyrics and the meaning behind the lyrics. So, listen to the words next time you're listening to the radio, and if you hear one that should be on here, post it in a comments box, and I'll put it in a post!

Words really can hurt people. What someone says can either make you wonderful, or miserable. What you say should only be things that build people up, not tear down. That includes when you are talking about a person. Gossip can hurt worse than just telling it straight to their face. If you can't say anything kind, don't say anything at all. Think before you speak, because "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1" I have trouble with this, and I know that I am not alone. I hope that this encourages you to go out and speak with God handling your tongue! Have a wonderful week!

                                                                                          ~Megan

Hawk Nelson~ Words

They've made me feel like a prisoner
They've made me feel set free
They've made me feel like a criminal
Made me feel like a king

          

They've lifted my heart
To places I'd never been
And they've dragged me down
Back to where I began

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

                   

You can heal the heartache
Speak over the fear
God, Your voice is the only thing
We need to hear

I wanna speak Your love
Not just another noise
Oh, I wanna be Your light
I wanna be Your voice

No Greater Love

"Greater Love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

          There is so much to think about in such a little verse. First of all, He is our FRIEND! That is just absolutely awesome! And that, even if you are the most loving, kind friend in the entire world, if you wouldn't lay down your life for them, there are more loving out there. He loved us so much that he died 2000 years ago today, and because of that, we have an opportunity to live forever. That is so exciting! I love you all, but God obviously loves you more! Happy GOOD Friday.  

                                                                                           Love, 

                                                                                              Megan

hmm..

Today at school, we had a little debate on something that really got us thinking. Here it is;

In John Milton's books "Paradise Lost", he bases his books off of Genesis 1-3. It has the basic outline of the passage, except that he adds some characters and details into it. So the Question was " Is it wrong of Milton to add to the Bible, or was it all right because he never claimed that it was the Bible, only a story based off of the Bible."

So what's your opinion on this?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours! :)

videos?

Hi all!
 so, I am thinking of starting to do videos. Maybe some fun tutorials or a discussion or something of that sort. How does that sound? Tell me in the comment box if I should or not. And if you have an idea for a video!

Thanks! 

~Megan~

Almost Christmas!

I can't believe there's only 4 days left til Christmas! Where did the time go? We got this awesome tree that we can plant again after Christmas. And right now we are making chocolate-dipped pretzels :) pictures below :)] Oh, and don't forget to check out my new tab called "What's in a Name?" The thought process behind my blogs name. Well, Merry Almost-Christmas!

~Megan~

wow..

"Dear Jesus,

    we're all speachless. Please help us remember and lift these families up in our prayers. And to not make this such a political event. Sweet, inocent children that don't get to have a "when I grow up" life. Brave, and amazing adults who will never get to tel their families Merry Christmas again. We pray for guidance, your healing hand, and most importantly, they need your love."

AMEN

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Merry Almost-Christmas Everyone!!

       I'm so excited for Christmas! (I'm behind on school, though, so I have to keep working through Christmas break :/) Well, I would just like to read (or type, that is) the Christmas story to you so that you may never forget the true meaning of Christmas! 

  This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

 His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

    But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

    All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

    When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

    After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

    When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

    After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

    On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

    When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

    So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

    When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

    After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

    So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."