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. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
9 comments:
Hey, I recognize that last part! You stole it from a Charlie Brown Christmas!
Merry Christmas to Paco and the Paco clan. We are coming to the tail end of Christmas Day here. Our Christmas was impacted by border closures between the states in Australia. As a result two of our three children could not be home to celebrate a family Christmas. We still managed a great day.
Our church service had restricted numbers and there were special rules for the congregation. It was a muted celebration bit a celebration all the same. Funny how there won't be the same restrictions on the sales tomorrow.
Paco, I always look forward to both your Christmas and Easter posts. You never fail to capture the essence of the season. Thanks.
Steve, come here a minute. I'll hold the football...
Irobot: God bless you and yours! Mrs. Paco and I have been "attending" mass all over the world during the pandemic. We really like the services at the shrine of Our Lady of Knock, in Ireland (those Irish accents! Poetry and music, all in one).
Merry Christmas to all the Paco clan and all the faithful followers.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a joyous new year. :)
Merry Christmas, Paco, Mrs. Paco, Family Paco, and Paco Nation - from a rather wintry NEFL!
No beachcombing for us today! Sun's shining but I cleaned out my little Honda in preparation for new seat covers, which will hide the deteriorating leather on the seats (pore ol thing lookin' as ragged as me but still fully functional...mostly). The sun was out, it was probably 50* - even with the 17mph breeze, it was fine.
G-d is great, beer is good, and people are crazy. Peace, y'all.
Best wishes to all, and stay well.
Merry Christmas to the Paco Clan!
Hope everyone has a very merry Christmas! We celebrate until January 6, Three Kings Day.
Yesterday, the Christmas Day feast was at the Branding Iron Restaurant at the YO Resort in Kerrville, Texas. It was fantastic! The buffet was outstanding with so many delicious holiday offerings! The lobby has Texas artifacts, a large bronze statue of a cowboy on a bronc, and the largest Grizzly bear standing up. The bear sports a Santa hat and red scarf. Just inside the entry is a magnificent Christmas tree that towers into the cathedral ceiling. And because this is Texas,there are hunting trophy mounts of various animals such as elk, mountain lion, and deer.
Glory to God who sent the Son!
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