I was going to post this on Christmas morning, but my computer is acting up again,
so I thought I better do it now, or I might not be able to!
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The Christmas Story from Chapter 2 of Luke's Gospel, from the World
English Bible (W.E.B.) which is not copyrighted.
1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first
enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to
enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 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
family of David; 5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be
married to him as wife, being pregnant.
6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she
should give birth. 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she
wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough,
because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 There were shepherds
in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night
over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10
The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good
news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is
born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ
the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in
strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." 13 Suddenly, there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and
saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men."
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that
the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and
see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to
us." 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the
baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they
publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this
child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to
them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering
them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was
told them.
21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child,
his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was
conceived in the womb.
22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses
were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to
the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who
opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a
sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A
pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This
man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's
Christ. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents
brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him
according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his
arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
according to your word, in peace;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 a light for revelation to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel."
33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were
spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary,
his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising
of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a
sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed."
36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband
seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about
eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping
with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very
hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who
were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the
law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city,
Nazareth. 40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit,
being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
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This is the essence of what it's all about. There is pain. There is joy. There is everything in between too.
