This time of year the songs, movies, and TV specials all seem to have a different interpretation of what Christmas is all about. They say that it means spending time with family and friends, giving and receiving gifts, being thankful for what you have, and promoting peace on earth. All of these are good things, but none of them are really what Christmas is about. Christmas is a day that has been set aside to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who some 30 years later would willingly die on a cross for the sins of the world before being raised from the dead three days later. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24975">1</sup>And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24976">2</sup>(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24977">3</sup>And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24978">4</sup>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) <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24979">5</sup>To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24980">6</sup>And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24981">7</sup>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.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24982">8</sup>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24983">9</sup>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. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24984">10</sup>And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24985">11</sup>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24986">12</sup>And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24987">13</sup>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24988">14</sup>"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24989">15</sup>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."
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24990">16</sup>And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24991">17</sup>And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24992">18</sup>And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24993">19</sup>But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24994">20</sup>And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2:1-20 (King James Version)
krambman
Senior Member
3,606
posts
krambman
Senior Member
3,606
posts
Fri, Dec 24, 2010 11:02 AM
Dec 24, 2010 11:02 AM
Dec 24, 2010 11:02am
