The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Levi

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      12 And Gabriel stood before Elizabeth as she was in the silence in her home, and told her all the words that he had said to Zacharias in Jerusalem.

      13 When he had done the service of his course, the priest went home, and with Elizabeth rejoiced.

      14 Five months passed by and Gabriel came to Mary in her home in Nazareth and said,

      15 Hail Mary, hail! Once blessed in the name of God; twice blessed in the name of Holy Breath; thrice blessed in the name of Christ; for you are worthy, and will bear a son who shall be called Immanuel.

      16 His name is Jesus, for he saves his people from their sins.

      17 When Joseph’s daily task was done he came, and Mary told him all the words that Gabriel spoke to her, and they rejoiced; for they believed that he, the man of God, had spoken words of truth.

      18 And Mary went with haste to tell Elizabeth about the promises of Gabriel; together they rejoiced.

      19 And in the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth did Mary tarry ninety days; then she returned to Nazareth.

      20 To Zacharias and Elizabeth a son was born, and Zacharias said,

      21 Most blessed be the name of God, for he has opened up the fount of blessings for his people, Israel.

      22 His promises are verified; for he has brought to pass the words which holy prophets spoke in olden times.

      23 And Zacharias looked upon the infant John, and said,

      24 You will be called the prophet of the Holy One; and you will go before his face, and will prepare his way.

      25 And you will give a knowledge of salvation unto Israel; and you will preach the gospel of repentance and the blotting out of sins.

      26 Behold, for soon the Day Star from on high will visit us, to light the way for those who sit within the darkness of the shadowland, and guide our feet unto the ways of peace.

      CHAPTER 3

      Birth of Jesus. Masters honor the child. The shepherds rejoice. Zacharias and Elizabeth visit Mary. Jesus is circumcised.

      The time was nearly due for Jesus to be born, and Mary longed to see Elizabeth, and she and Joseph turned their faces toward the Judean hills.

      2 And when upon their way they came to Bethlehem the day was done, and they must tarry for the night.

      3 But Bethlehem was thronged with people going to Jerusalem; the inns and homes were filled with guests, and Joseph and his wife could find no place to rest but in a cave where animals were kept; and there they slept.

      4 At midnight came a cry, A child is born in yonder cave among the beasts. And lo, the promised son of man was born.

      5 And strangers took the little one and wrapped him in the dainty robes that Mary had prepared and laid him in a trough from which the beasts of burden fed.

      6 Three persons clad in snow-white robes came in and stood before the child and said,

      7 All strength, all wisdom and all love be yours, Immanuel.

      8 Now, on the hills of Bethlehem were many flocks of sheep with shepherds guarding them.

      9 The shepherds were devout, were men of prayer, and they were waiting for a strong deliverer to come.

      10 And when the child of promise came a man in snow-white robe appeared to them, and they fell back in fear. The man stood forth and said,

      11 Fear not! behold I bring you joyful news. At midnight in a cave in Bethlehem was born the prophet and the king that you have long been waiting for.

      12 And then the shepherds all were glad; they felt that all the hills were filled with messengers of light, who said,

      13 All glory be to God on high; peace, peace on earth, good will to men.

      14 And then the shepherds came with haste to Bethlehem and to the cave, that they might see and honor him whom men had called Immanuel.

      15 Now, when the morning came, a shepherdess whose home was near, prepared a room for Mary, Joseph and the child; and here they tarried many days.

      16 And Joseph sent a messenger in haste to Zacharias and Elizabeth to say, The child is born in Bethlehem.

      17 And Zacharias and Elizabeth took John and came to Bethlehem with words of cheer.

      18 And Mary and Elizabeth recounted all the wondrous things that had transpired. The people joined with them in praising God.

      19 According to the custom of the Jews, the child was circumcised; and when they asked, What will you call the child? the mother said, His name is Jesus, as the man of God declared.

      CHAPTER 4

      Consecration of Jesus. Mary offers sacrifices. Simeon and Anna prophesy. Anna is rebuked for worshipping the child. The family returns to Bethlehem.

      Now, Mary took her son, when he was forty days of age, up to the temple in Jerusalem, and he was consecrated by the priest.

      2 And then she offered purifying sacrifices for herself, according to the custom of the Jews; a lamb and two young turtle doves.

      3 A pious Jew named Simeon was in the temple serving God.

      4 From early youth he had been looking for Immanuel to come, and he had prayed to God that he might not depart until his eyes had seen Messiah in the flesh.

      5 And when he saw the infant Jesus he rejoiced and said, I now am ready to depart in peace, for I have seen the king.

      6 And then he took the infant in his arms and said, Behold, this child will bring a sword upon my people, Israel, and all the world; but he will break the sword and then the nations will learn war no more.

      7 The master’s cross I see upon the forehead of this child, and he will conquer by this sign.

      8 And in the temple was a widow, four and eighty years of age, and she departed not, but night and day she worshipped God.

      9 And when she saw the infant Jesus she exclaimed, Behold Immanuel! Behold the signet cross of the Messiah on his brow!

      10 And then the woman knelt to worship him, as God with us, Immanuel; but one, a master clothed in white, appeared and said,

      11 Good woman, stay; take heed to what you do; you may not worship man; this is idolatry.

      12 This child is man, the son of man, and worthy of all praise. You shall adore and worship God; him only shall you serve.

      13 The woman rose and bowed her head in thankfulness and worshipped God.

      14 And Mary took the infant Jesus and returned to Bethlehem.

      CHAPTER 5

      Three magian priests honor Jesus. Herod is alarmed. Calls a council of the Jews. Is told that prophets had foretold the coming of a king. Herod resolves to kill the child. Mary and Joseph take Jesus and flee into Egypt.

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