Peace on Earth, Good will Toward Men

[Mark M]

Being how tomorrow will be Christmas and being how I'm one of
those pesky Christians I thought I would share this story that is
dear to me.

Whatever your faith I wish you the best in the comming new year.

Seasons Greetings from Sunny North Dakota

Mark




And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.

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.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, 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, on earth peace, good will toward men.

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.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which
was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told
them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

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 (KJV)

[EZ]

Thanks Mark and Merry Christmas to you too.
EZ

[Linda]

That was really nice Mark!  Thanks!!

We had my extended family here at the sawmill for Christmas today.  My plan was to read the story of Jesus, but things got so hectic I forgot until only the immediate family was still here.  We then read it, but I still feel awful about not reading it earlier.  Isn't that how it happens with so many, we get so busy we forget about Him.  Good thing He doesn't forget about us!

Thanks for acknowledging Him!  He is worthy!

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Linda  

[EZ]

We had Christmas dinner here and with all the kids and grand-kids here, things get pretty wild here. We always say grace before are mills, but when everyone sat down for dinner today, we all just started to dig in and eat. After we were about half done, my youngest said we forgot to say grace. :-[ ;D My grand-son, (5yrs old) said I want to say it grand-pa. ;D What a wonderful day.
EZ

[Mark M]

I always try to read this story each year and send it to my friends. I've wanted to read it to my family on Christmas eve but I get all choked-up just reading it to myself. One of these days I'll find the courage.

[Linda]

Mark
I know what you mean about getting choked up.  Anything having to do with the awesome sacrifice God/Jesus made for us chokes me up.  

The last few times we read Luke 2 at the big Christmas get together, we asked one of the kids to read it.  Some of them are glad to have the chance to show their reading skills.

EZ
I've forgotten the prayer before myself in all the commotion.  My 15 year old nephew volunteered to say grace this time.  A very nice prayer, if I may be allowed to say so myself.   ;D

Sometimes these family get togethers are so noisy, that it's hard to get anyones attention without a loud whistle or something.  What a humbling thing to have God remind you half way through the feast!  :-[  Good thing He has a sense of humor!  ;)

Linda