Luke 2:1-20 Jesus:
A Promise for All People
In those days a decree went out from
Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first
registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to
their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was
descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with
Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were
there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her
firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds
living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of
the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I
am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this
day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a
sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven, and on earth
peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into
heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they
went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.
When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary
treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it
had been told them.
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This Christmas story is one with which
we are all familiar. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem and Jesus is born. The
shepherds are told by the angels of the Savior’s birth and they travel to see
Him. Then they spread the word. All the things that Mary is told about how they
came to worship the baby are kept in her heart. This part of the story
resonates with me. What mother doesn’t remember all the things her children say
and do? We also treasure the good things others say about our children. No
startling revelations were made to me about my children or grandchildren but I
can understand how Mary must have felt and been overwhelmed from the time
Gabriel told her she was having a baby until the death of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus’ birthday becomes a celebratory day in my family because we are blessed
with two more birthdays. Both my grandson Dan and my granddaughter Elizabeth’s
husband Howard were born on December 25. Dan has always felt special because he
was born on this day. I feel so special to have not one but two grandsons
sharing this day.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father
we give you thanks for sending us your very special Son to save the world. We
ask for your blessing on all the people in this world regardless of their color
or beliefs. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dorothy Kafalas is deacon at Trinity
Lutheran Church, Brewster, NY
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