When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife. ~ Matthew 1:24 (NRSV)

Image: Saint Joseph and Jesus Christ, Son of God, Fredrick del Guidice, 2010

But the righteous, though they die early, will be at rest.
For old age is not honoured for length of time,
or measured by number of years;
but understanding is grey hair for anyone,
and a blameless life is ripe old age. ~ Wisdom 4:7-9 (NRSV)

Image: The Stoning of Saint Stephen, Rembrandt, 1625

Raise, raise the song on high,
the mother sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe the son of Mary!

Image: Geburt Christi Heilige Nacht, Weihnacht, (Nativity, Holy Night, Christmas), Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1520.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. ~ Psalm 139:10, 11 (NRSV)

Image: The Nativity, William Blake, 1790

And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
For he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
For the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. Luke 2:46-49

Image: Mary and Elizabeth, Kathe Kollwitz

Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. ~ Luke 1:38

Image: The Annunciation, Francisco Goya, 1785,

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." ~ John 14:5-6

Image: Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Caravaggio, 1601.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ~ John 3:16