The Christmas Story Luke 2:1-14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Now through Christmas my wife shared a book with me that I will be sharing stories with you.  The title of the book is: The Promise of Christmas is Jesus.
   Yes, I will copy and print and you can read or take as much of it as you wish. Thank you for the endurance.
It's a timless story-the account of Jesus' birth-with familiar details such as shepherds, a sar, wise men, and angels.  But perhaps the details, if not the story itself, are too familiar.  Are we any longer able to hear the wonder of this world changing, history altering story?
   God planned the birth of Jesus before them began, and throughout the Old Testament-thousand of years before a Baby was born in Bethlehem-God hinted about the coming of this Messiah, this King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace.
   Looking at these hints-these ancient prophecies-and their fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' birth can help us recapture the wonder of the Christmas story and marvel at the gift of Jesus, a gift of sacrifice and love, of Immanuel, "God with us."
   May seeing the promises  of God and their fulfillment reignite in you the very hope of Christmas.
It came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone, to his own city.
    Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.  So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
   Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you; You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill
                    toward men!"    Luke 2:1-14
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny