Merry Christmas
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and 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 among men in whom he is well pleased."
And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
| Posted at 12:01 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (14)
I was an atheist at the age of 8
Posted by Steve | December 25, 2011 9:13 AM
Merry Christmas all. Great giving year, and not only at Jack's site. I saw it it happen at several other worthy locations like no other time before. Those with the means really stepped up for this tough holiday season.
Steve, no worries. All the really good atheists will get into Heaven too :)
Posted by Gibby | December 25, 2011 11:27 AM
...and Peace to Men of Good Will.
(Steve, never let the messenger distract from the message.)
Posted by Old Zeb | December 25, 2011 12:58 PM
Who can name the source:
"Heaven is for people who enjoy things like watering pot plants, and talking to god."
Posted by Dreadie | December 25, 2011 2:47 PM
Sure do prefer the King James Version of Luke 3.
"...And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased..." is about as clumsy as a Sam Adams Tweet.
Posted by Nonny Mouse | December 25, 2011 3:27 PM
"... and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." NIV.
"... and upon earth peace among men of goodwill." NWT.
Posted by Molly | December 25, 2011 5:54 PM
RIP, Christopher Hitchens!
Posted by cros | December 25, 2011 6:29 PM
Amen.
It's always a fine thing to share our faith. Thank you, Jack, for printing the story here.
Posted by Don | December 25, 2011 7:22 PM
Prince Edmund, in Black Adder, played by Rowan Atkinson, is one source for the quote.
I sort oh would likeed it to have been Hitchens.
Posted by Nonny Mouse | December 25, 2011 7:53 PM
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
And thus it became known that the infant Jesus was born in Spring,for lo,it is during the lambing season that shepherds abide in the field.
Yet we celebrate in late December as a means to avoid, chameleon-like, persecution - for in the great scheme of things, dates matter not; they are, after all, set by mortal Man.
The event itself is immortal; it is that which we celebrate and humbly honor.
Best wishes to all, and may you carry the spirit with you daily, regardless of what we refer to as "the present date".
Posted by Max | December 25, 2011 10:38 PM
Among biblical scholars of the non-literalist persuasion it is generally agreed that the Luke birth story is mythical, as is the Matthew birth story (which differs in many ways). Mark and John say nothing about Jesus' birth in their gospels.
But true Christian faith means you believe the message even if the story is not literally true.
Posted by Benjamin J. | December 26, 2011 1:34 PM
Benjie, you're correct, believers BELIEVE what is revealed in the Bible, they don't think it mythical or 'not literally true.' "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching ..." 2 Tim 3:16. Your 'biblical scholars of the non-literalist persuasion' might want to acquaint themselves with that scripture.
Posted by Molly | December 26, 2011 11:01 PM
Through statistical regression I've narrowed down the One True Faith to one of two religions with 99% certainty.
Either Xenu or Moroni will punish you all.
Posted by Cave-Man | December 27, 2011 6:29 PM
Thank you for sharing this. . . we had the good fortune to be in Merida Mexico for Christmas and popped into the cathedral on Christmas Eve. Even in my rusty Spanish, I could follow along as the bishop read this story. Wonderful.
Posted by Sarah Carlin Ames | December 31, 2011 11:48 AM