For unto you is born this day in the city of David

The Nativity Story — From Luke 2:1-20 New American Standard Bible

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days

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Photo by Ralph Hardin/File photo NATIVITY (cont.)

were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign for you: you will find a bab wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, Never let it rest until your good is better and your better best. This was the mantra of a professor many years ago. Well, the good news is we have a vaccine and it is on the way. The better news is soon we will be able to meet with family and friends, go to work, eat out, go to church and live our lives once more.

But, the best news happened over 2,000 years ago when God sent His son to Earth for mankind to repair the bond that had been been broken between God and man through Jesus Christ. When I go outside I relate to and am reminded of the psalmist David when he wrote: 'When I look into the night skies and see the work of your fingers.

The moon and stars suspended in space. What is man that thou art mindful of him? O, Lord, our Lord, the majesty and glory of Your name transcends the earth and fills the heavens.

Alleluia!.' [ Editor’s Note: That was very well put and a message we all need to hear this time of year ( and especially this year). It made me think of something my wife’s great uncle said at her grandfather’s funeral a couple of years ago, quoting the man he pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

was eulogizing. He said, “ Just do the best you can every chance you get.” A pretty good message as we get set to say good- bye and good riddance to 2020 and look to 2021 for a better world]

*** I heard a little girl got shot in the face last night! Any word on if that’s true or not. Just horrible! [ Editor’s Note: Well, hopefully you saw the story in the paper earlier this week. To clarify, she didn’t get shot in the face but rather accidentally shot herself in the face with her father’s gun. We weren’t told the exact circumstances of the incident, and her name was withheld due to her status as a minor, but it does look like she’s going to pull through]

*** During these troubled times it helps to gain perspective and realize we have a mighty warrior who watches over us. I am constantly reminded by a dear friend of this fact. 'Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so.'

[ Editor’s Note: You know, we’d probably all be better off if we stuck to living by those Bible songs we all learned at a kid…]