Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar 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 in the guest room. Now in that same 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! Luke 2:1-14 (NRSVUE)
There are lots of stories told at Christmas. You may have some favorites. In our house, it’s likely that, at some point in the last few weeks, someone has watched Elf, Home Alone, and Polar Express. There are others. Christmas is a story-filled season with old memories that we seem to have the need to revisit.
But the oldest story is still the best. In those days . . . the Christmas narrative from the Gospel of Luke begins. Around the world today, millions of Christians will be hearing this old, old story told in their churches, read in their homes, acted out with children’s costumes, sung in carols. God keeps putting this story and its Good News in our ears as the one story that needs to be told at Christmas, no matter what. For, unlike all those other stories, this one contains a promise. Do not be afraid! For unto you is born this day the Messiah, the Lord. Your Messiah and your Lord! A present for all of us.
Merry Christmas!
Prayer:
Good and gracious God,
Open my ears to the good news of Christmas. Clear my mind of the things that do not matter, take away my fears, that I may joyfully celebrate your Son, born unto us! Amen.
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