Birth of Christ according to St.Luke

From the King James version of the Holy Bible

Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-20

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 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, unto 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 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 Savior 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 to one 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 , Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had see it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all that heart 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 to them.

BIBLE NOTES (from NLT version) SHOW: JESUS was born in the very town prophesied for his birth in Micah 5:2, even though his parents did not live there. Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David and there are many references that the Messiah would be born to David’s royal line. Many people ask what is swaddling? It was strips of cloth used to keep a baby warm and give him a sense of security. The custom of wrapping infants in this fashion is still practiced in many mideastern countries. The mention of a manger is how the tradition came to be that JESUS was born in a stable and it was probably dark and dirty, unlike the way we picture it in on our Christmas cards.

The shepherds were terrified as the angels announced the birth of the Messiah, but then they ran to see the baby and to spread the word. The greatest event in history had just happened. For ages the Jews had waited for this. Some Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule, others hoped the Christ would deliver them from physical ailments. The story of JESUS resounds with music that has inspired composers for more than two thousand years.

How does this chapter relate to us today? JESUS was born in a lowly stable, not what we might expect for the son of God. But we today should not limit God by our own expectations. God works wherever he is needed in our sinful world. Do you still picture JESUS as a baby? – or is he now your Lord? Don’t underestimate JESUS, let him grow up in your life. Look forward to meeting him every day in prayer. Discover a Lord who is so wonderful that can’t help sharing your joy with your friends!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. And Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke. Update on Stella: She is 10 weeks old and has her own room at the hospital. The doctors continue to experiment with respirators, but her parents can see progress in her lung activity. They need your prayers so badly. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.