“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So 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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’
When 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.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
On this holy night, may you let these ancient words sink deep into your soul.
It may be the first time you’ve read these words. Perhaps this is the first time in a long time that you’ve really read them. Maybe you’ve been somewhere in the middle, slowly losing steam as the hustle and bustle of the season swept you along. No matter where your heart is tonight, may you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the story of shepherds and straw, of decrees and new parents, of heavenly hosts and a baby King.
May the twinkling glory of Christmas Eve breathe peace and life into your heart.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Oh . . . “twinkling glory.”
I want to light every candle in my house!
Blessings to all of you who make (in)courage happen and who labor with love to put God’s shining greatness on display here every day.
Merry Christmas!
lazondral nelson says
What a fresh perspective! This is why I love this ministry! Keep allowing God to use you to bless others like me. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Cindy Jolly says
REALLY read them this morning and wept at their beauty. There is power in His Word!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Dear Friends,
His Word never gets old nor returns void. May we all read it afresh with open eyes and hearts.
Merry Christmas and may the peace of Jesus be with all of you this day.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Beth Williams says
In (Courage),
May we never forget the true meaning of Christmas. A savior left His splendor of Heaven to come to our broken earth. Matthew West’s “Leaving Heaven” sums it up perfectly:
Well, it’s been real nice living way up here In paradise, over the atmosphere
But I can’t stay long, gotta make my way I’m leaving Heaven today
You see the world is dark and it needs a light I’m gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
So everybody’s gonna know where I touch down I’m leaving Heaven right now
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth You should know
That you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
Ain’t gonna be no kingdom, ain’t gonna be no crown Just a little old manger, in a little old town
But it’ll do just fine for this humble King I’m leaving Heaven let all the angels sing
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth You should know You’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
And when my time comes to an end I’ll lay down my life like a truest friend
And when I get back home, I’m gonna make some room So, don’t you worry, ‘cause I’m coming back for you
And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth You’re gonna walk on streets of gold
And if you ever wonder what my love is worth Well you should know That I’m the reason you’ll be seeing Heaven
Oh, you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven I’m leaving Heaven.
Blessings 🙂 Have a blessed Christmas!!
Penny says
Thank-you…. for everything that you all do to brighten each morning.
Joy, peace, comfort, hope, and much love to you all…
Merry Christmas
Blessings,
Penny
Mary Hood says
Read all 4 accounts in the gospels today of His coming. Thank God we have such an awesome God! Merry Christmas to you!
Kathleen says
Merry Christmas sweet sisters. May the love and peace this precious baby brought to us fill you this day. Share His love today and everyday. Thank you (in)courage for words of encouragement and for the friendships we share through this special place.
Kathleen
Sandra Crittenden says
THE LORD CAME FOR US. O HOLY NIGHT THE NIGHT OUR CHRIST WAS BORN. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD. O HOLY NIGHT. LET US ADORE OUR KING THE BABE THAT CAME TO SAVE USE FORM OUR SINS.