...and it might not have been during the year we would today enumerate as 1 A.D...
...and there are many who say, most scornfully, that we are fools for believing that it happened at all...
...or for believing that there is an all-powerful Supreme Being who takes any slightest interest in Man...
...or that such a Being would permit His only begotten Son to be born as the son of a poor carpenter, and to suffer and die for our sakes...
...but I believe it:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
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:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
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.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
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.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
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.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.[The Gospel According To Luke, 2:1-19]
Choose according to the verdict of your hearts.
And, what's the difference if it didn't happen on December 25? No difference. We remember, as He wants us to.
ReplyDeleteChrist is Born!
Glorify Him!
Some of - if not the - sweetest words ever written on earth. Emmanuel, God is with us. "For unto you this day is born a Savior, Who is Christ the King". because God knows we need one.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a hopeful Christmas, I wish you a brave new year... thank God for you, Fran. Be safe and be blessed. stormfriend sends...