Ensign: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
AN ENSIGN ON THE MOUNTAINS 24 December 2014
I direct you to Luke the physician and his account given in the second chapter of the book he wrote (also known as Luke 2:1-20). I understand part of this two millennia old account -- verses eight through fourteen -- was also used with considerable effect some years before I was born by this little boy with a security blanket who dropped it midway through ... Linus, I blank on his last name, had this fuss-budget sister Lucy, but I digress.
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 it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(This taxing was first made when Cyrenius 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 Judaea, 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 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, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered 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.
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown (and anyone else who is listening).
David
P.S. I write this
weekly devotional to keep in touch with all of you in my address
book, and I hope to be an encourager to action too! If you find that
I'm not or you want me to get lost, just let me know -- thank you!
Thank You, Lord,
that we can come to You in prayer and that You provide for all our
needs, even when we don't know what they are. We pray for the peace
of Jerusalem on both sides of the fence there and around the world.
Thank You, Lord, for
everyone in leadership and service, both here and abroad. Thank You
for the opportunities we have and the promise of new life! I pray
that we all seek and have a blessed week. Amen.
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