The real meaning of Christmas.

 Mary and the Angel Gabriel

New things I've learned while reading more about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas.

 Gabriel's first visit is in Daniel 8:16, when he comes to explain a dream to the prophet. He also appeared to Zacharias and told him that he and Elizabeth will be the parents of John the Baptist. And most famously tells Mary that she her son, will be called, "The Son of the Most High'. Gabriel means 'Man of God'. He looks like a man. He stands in the presence of God. (Daniel 9:21) There are only 2 Angels Named in the bible. Gabriel and Michael, an archangel.

 The angel Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias and told him that Elisabeth, who was barren and elderly, was going to have a baby and his name was John the Baptist.  Mary and Elizabeth were cousins.

These two people in this picture are Anna and Simeon.

I really didn't know much about them at all.

Anna was married at one time for 7 years, but then became a widow, and devoted all her time at the temple.  She prayed and fasted all the time.  She was called a Prophetess, and validated the Christ child.  She was 85 years old.  Simeon was an elderly man in the temple, that was promised, that he would see, the Savior  of  the world before he died.  Simeon at the temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25–3 , met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple.

I'm trying to learn new details about the beginning of Jesus's birth.  Details of Jesus's birth, and focusing on the real meaning of Christmas.

Anything else that you can add to the story would be greatly appreciated and welcome in the 'comments'.