Gathered around the Christ Child in Bethlehem
At that time the emperor issued a decree for a census of the whole empire to be taken. This first census was taken while Quirinus was governor of Syria. Everyone had to be registered in his own town. So everyone set out for his own city; Joseph too set out from Nazareth of Galilee. As he belonged to the family of David, being a descendant of his, he went to Judea to David’s town of Bethlehem to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was with child. They were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger, because there was no place for them in the living room.There were shepherds camping in the countryside, taking turns to watch over their flocks by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, with the Glory of the Lord shining around them. As they were terrified, the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you in David’s town; He is the Messiah and the Lord. Let this be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Suddenly the angel was surrounded by many more heavenly spirits, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth for God is blessing humankind.”
Luke 2: 1-14
What joy the Christ Child has brought to our lives! Allow his peace, strength, and love to work miracles for and in you. Please keep those far from home our military, those homeless whom Santa may not find, those sick and hungry, and those feeling scared, lost, or abandoned in your prayers. Christmas is about so much more than bright paper packages and credit card bills. Remember Jesus would want his birthday celebrated for him. God Bless You and Yours. Amen.
Bible Verse to Memorize:
“Do not be afraid; I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you…”
Something to Think About:
In your home, is Jesus an honored guest or an afterthought at his birthday celebration?
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