The First Christmas

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire. (This first registration took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to be registered, each one to his own town. So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered together with Mary, who was legally promised in marriage to him and was pregnant. And it happened that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds in the same region, living out of doors and keeping watch, guarding over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring good news to you of great joy which will be for all the people: that today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. And this will be the sign for you: you will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace
    among people with whom he is pleased!”

And it happened that when the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began to say to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has revealed to us!” And they went hurrying and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known the statement that had been told to them about this child. And all who heard it were astonished concerning what had been said to them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them."  Luke 2:1-20

That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.

It's not about Cyber Monday, it's not about who has the most toys or the latest gadgets. It's not about who has the best ham or the most perfect decorations.

It's about LOVE coming down from heaven not worrying where He would land in, no Holiday Inn, no Hilton, not in the Hamptons, not a problem. No three kings and no three precious gifts to welcome Him either.

It's just a manger, some livestock, a few shepherds, and a symphony of angels singing praises. Indeed the prophecy has been fulfilled and there was no better response than what the lowly shepherds did after they heard of it and after they saw it fulfilled with their very eyes.

No Room In The Inn

Luke 2:1-7


In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

It's funny but I actually wrote much "musings" before this but then again, there was "no room" for them in my busy schedule to post it here. And many of them are just going to be late. That is my official excuse.

Anyway Christmas Day 2011 may have come and gone but still having no room for the Christ is still very much in fashion. We may have given out gifts (at least those of us who can still afford to buy gifts) and we may still be at the malls buying more or exchanging and returning some but today there is still time to stop and remember the real reason for the season. Christ is the reason and if there is still no room for him in our hearts, we still have missed what all these gift-giving is all about.

So today let us pause and stop giving gifts for a few minutes (or returning or exchanging them). But let us instead accept the best gift we could possibly receive--heaven's gift.

Linus said it best watch it below.

Now you can go back to your busy schedule or to your after holiday shopping spree... have a great day!