Luke 2: 1 - 21

          I have always felt that the Christmas story from the book of Luke was one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible.  I was thoroughly disappointed when a few years ago the Lancaster Newspapers stopped featuring it on the editorial page on Christmas as they had done for decades.  Another sad case of political correctness.  For many years I read this passage to my classes in school as part of special activities which we did on the last school day before vacation.  And I never had any complaints.  And the reading of this passage has also been a family tradition before opening presents when we gather together on Christmas Eve.  And I must admit that the King James Version is still my favorite.
          So on this day before Christmas I have chosen to again share this beautiful true story of God incarnate with you to help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke 2   King James Version (KJV)

2    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.)
3    And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4    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:)
5    To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6    And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7    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.
8    And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9    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.
10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15   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.      
16   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18   And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19   But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21   And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Have a blessed Christmas!