Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus
2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
An Event for Everyone
8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
- {The Message}
All for me, all for you'
{spur of the moment}
Gorgeous nativity, Linda. Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a peaceful, reflective Christmas Eve, friend ...
DeleteThank you so much for posting the real Christmas story. Gail
ReplyDeleteHe is real, He is alive, He is risen, He is coming again! Christmas blessings to you, Gail ...
DeleteMerry Christmas to all and to all a good new year.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all a good night.
DeleteI hope your service this evening blessed your heart even as you blessed others, Bill
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMay this evening be serene and comforting for you and yours, Barbara.
DeleteBless you all!
Jesus, the Savior of the world...YES! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you had a wonderful celebration with your gang, Cindy! May this week be a restful one ...
DeleteIt must have been a peaceful scene,
ReplyDeletefor cows and sheep aren't bossy,
but I wonder how it might have been
had the shepherds brought an Aussie.
"Clearly He's your first, dear Mary,
but the way you're holding Him
is just not how you should carry
a swag or a cut gum-tree limb,
let alone the good Lord's Son,
and are you deaf, girl, not to hear
that He's not trying just to hum,
but rather make it very clear
that you should do what I have told...
the Pup is hungry, and He's cold!"
An Aussie Christmas! Ok, I can do that!
DeleteHope it was a good day for you, friend. And did you see that I've announced that you're our 2021 POET-IN-RESIDENCE?!
http://www.lindastoll.net/2021/12/jumbo-2021-blog-celebration.html
Linda, I'm so honoured.
DeleteI'm very, very tired, but I will keep on. To Him all the glory and all my heart.
Amen.
DeleteHe whispers, 'peace be still.'