Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas

First of all, I am aware that Jesus was not born on December 25, 0000. In addition, I am fully aware that much of the way we celebrate Christmas is from old pagan rituals and traditions. None of this deters my faith, however. I love this holiday and all the trappings that go with it.

This is a beautiful holiday where we Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This day is one of the two most sacred days of the year.

I feel it's appropriate that I share the story of the birth of Jesus. This is from the Book of Luke, Chapter 2, NIV.

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.


4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

4 comments:

  1. Though we may disagree on any number of issues I believe the religious can be set aside enough for me to wish you a heartfelt (though now belated) wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from one member of the Mishblogha to another.
    Like I said, keep up the good work you're doing out there. Not everyone may agree with it (and thus bash you according to the group mentality) but you have a right and a duty to promote YOUR opinion. Yasher Koach to you and others who stand up to the "machine" in the Mishblogaha and aren't afraid to fight back.

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  2. Hey Andy, I hope that you had a Merry Christmas and do have a good year. Mike is very wise in his words above, you should listen and take solace.

    May the road rise up to meet you in the new year.

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  3. Andy - Where have you been? I think that I am the only one who takes off several weeks at a time. Happy New Year bud.

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  4. Thanks guys. I took some time off to refresh and recharge.

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