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.) 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 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.
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What a beautiful, moving blog post for Christmas Eve. I hope you were blessed beyond all measure as you lifted up song and Word in Christ's honor. I also read a couple of your other posts. Sounds like you long to move back to NM. I hope it does work out that your whole family can be together once again. Our son was just here for four days, from NM, and left today to bus on into Boston. Watching the storms pounding the eastern sea board, we wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't have some delays or lay-overs. He was up to the adventure...looking forward to it. Aren't you glad that we can put our kids in the hands of God and not worry? Being concerned is another thing!! Grin.
ReplyDeleteOnce my husband and I took a buss from Ohio to Gallup. In the evening when we hit the flats outside of Amarillo, TX, we were delayed by snowstorms and wind and all the way across to Albuquerque. We sat in the first or second seat from the door and my feet were nearly frozen--I'm not speaking metaphorically, but literally. I worried about frost bite!
ReplyDeleteIn Tucumcari we stopped for a meal, but we were so late that we couldn't get much of a meal. I think only left over soup and only one choice. then further down the road we stopped for another break and this diner sat on the top of a hill in the middle of no where. We fought the wind and blowing snow across the parking lot to the door. They had stayed open just for us. There was nothing hot except coffee. (Luckily, Louie and I both were coffee lovers!) It was warm inside, but we had little time to get warm. We paused just long enough to use the restroom, very cold, and get the coffee and we were on down the road.
I was so thankful when we got into Gallup the next morning!
I hope your son had better traveling weather.