December Stories and Songs, Part 24

Christmas Eve, or perhaps Christmas morning by the time anyone is ready for bed at our house. A very short story is called for, the first Christmas story. I own and use a lot of Bible translations, but for this story I do prefer the King James Version of Luke's gospel:

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 this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 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; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The manger scene above is by a photographer identified as AsemTa, who is part of a manger scene group on Flickr. com. There are many other photos worth looking at in this group.

Terre Roche of The Roches wrote this beautiful song, Star of Wonder. She has made it available for anyone to sing, here. It also appears on The Roches' Christmas album, We Three Kings (see December 17 for a link). I can't think of a more appropriate song to end this Advent series. The photo is by a photographer named Joorro from Venezuela, also from Flickr, and was the first astronomical photo to come up when I searched "Star of Bethlehem."
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night, and God bless us every one!