Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas



The Birth of Jesus

Chapter 2 

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)

When I was young, my mother had a Book of Christmas, I think that was the name, and it had all kinds of Christmas stories and legends. There were three things she read to my sister and me each year at Christmastime: "A Visit from St Nicholas" aka "'Twas the Night before Christmas," the editorial from the September 21, 1897, edition of The (New York) Sun commonly known as "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause," and she would read us Luke Chapter 2:1-20. While the first two, I will always remember in her voice, it seems like I can only ever hear Luke 2:1-20 in the voice of Linus from the Peanuts' classic " A Charlie Brown Christmas." The thing is, I hear the whole twenty verses in Linus's voice; however, in the Peanuts' special, Linus only recited Verses 8-14.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and I hope all of you have a wonderful day.

5 comments:

Michael Dodd said...

At the end of the fall term of my New Testament Greek class back when dinosaurs roamed the campus at Michigan State, we were delighted to discover that the final exam was to translate this passage. I must admit it was a simple task, no so much because I had memorized Linus's speech but because of so many years of listening to Messiah. Music makes mnemonics easy!

Peace and light to you this day and throughout the coming year as you keep all these things and ponder them in year heart.

Susan said...

So beautiful, Joe. All of it: the passage, your comments, and the memories. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas day. <3

Amanda said...

Merry Christmas Joe! I hope the day brings you much joy and laughter that will follow you through the whole year. And thank you for this post to remind us what the season is about.

silvereagle said...

Merry Christmas! If this weather maintains its course you may swat at mosquitoes and blow away gnats before heading back north! Enjoy the family and take the return flight with a grain of salt and a shot or two of home brew and all will be right with the world!

Lenny Ricci said...

Joe.. Have a very Merry Christmas.. Try to remember the good times and make new memories to cherish.
Peace be with you.

Huggs..

Lenny from SNOWY DENVER.