The presents are wrapped and placed under the tree. Cookies have been baked and dinner is nearly ready. Our house is decorated; not over the top, but festive. Candles are lit, stockings are hung, the family has gathered. We are ready.
What are we ready for? For some, Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with family, gathering together from far and near. For others, it is an opportunity to exchange gifts out of love for one another. For still others, it is simply another day on the calendar.
Let’s not lose sight of the real reason for this season. December 25 is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. To help us keep that in mind, my Dad used to read the Christmas gospel aloud every year on Christmas Eve as the family gathered for dinner. Us kids would be impatient, because we knew that Santa always came to our house during Christmas Eve dinner. We were anxious to get started and get done; presents would magically appear under the living room tree while we ate. But, Mom and Dad always made us sit up, settle down, and listen.
The story started about 2009 years ago…
The Christmas Gospel according to St. Luke the Apostle, (Chapter 2, from The King James Version of the Holy Bible.)
The Birth of Jesus
- 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 Cyre’ni-us 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 Judea, 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.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
