The Birth of Jesus

[hotcoffee]

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,


14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.​

a.Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before

Merry Christmas

 

[Railroad]

From the Observation Car

Christmas Eve Thread 2013 <hr style="color:#e5e5cc; background-color:#e5e5cc" size="1"> We take for granted that Christmas is widely celebrated in the western culture of the world, by believers and non-believers alike. As is typical of mankind, the occasion is marked by extremes of both reverence and perversion, but at this time there is a glimpse of the day when "every knee shall bow" (Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11).

We seek, rightly, to raise our voices and hands in praise of our Lord and celebrate His coming to earth as the first and greatest Christmas present; (God gave first, long before people took up the tradition of exchanging gifts). Lots of energy and expense go into our celebration of the birth of baby Jesus. We would do well to remember that the thoughts, the energy, and the wealth put into these celebrations are gifts themselves, provided by the Almighty. And although we dazzle each other with all these displays, pleasing Him is best accomplished in things people don't necessarily see in a glittery sort of way.

The Lord says, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13, Matthew 12:7). Knowing that sacrifices given in the Temple were elaborate ceremonies with great public participation helps reveal His intent. His intent is for your heart, not the halls, to be decorated with His presence and your love for Him - deep, sincere love.

His desire is for you to live as if you DO know him, applying His principles and character in your life: the colored lights of His character shining through you, illuminating the way in which you handle day-to-day life; the music of love and truth embedded in the thoughts you think and the things you say; the pageantry of following His guidance; the worship of being on bended knees, humble, alone with Him and telling Him of your love for Him.

So as you observe this most sweet of occasions, whether alone with Him or in the company of others, praise Him and honor Him in your heart - and to paraphrase Charles Dickens, keep Christmas every day in your heart.

Now may the Lord bless you and cover you with His grace today; may He cause you to be lifted up in praise for His glory; and may He fill you with His peace.