And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:1-20, NKJV)
Welcome, Lord Jesus! May the Light of the world shine in our hearts today as we celebrate Your birth. Give us Your joy and Your love, and cause Your face to shine on our families and friends. Bring Your peace to this troubled and sinful land, and revive Your Spirit in us again. May we always glorify You and bring honor to Your Name, so that we may live in Your blessing from now and forevermore. Amen.
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Merry Christmas Kat and family. God Bless You all and heres hoping the day is all that you hope it to be.
Posted by: Red Queen | December 25, 2005 at 08:39 AM
Merry Christmas to everyone at your house! Great post.
Posted by: Cao | December 25, 2005 at 09:32 AM
Christmas miracle here...Last night (Christmas evening), my mother-in-law, who has mid-stage Alzheimer's, recognized my husband as her son. Mom suddenly realized that she is spending Christmas with her eldest child. She was so happy! And, of course, his mother's recognition, even if it doesn't last through Mom's visit here, meant a lot to my husband. God is good!
Posted by: Always On Watch | December 26, 2005 at 07:01 AM