In those days a decree went out
from Emperor 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 for them in the inn.
In that 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,
Dear Auntie,
It was wonderful and terrible, so simple and yet so hard! Although I had never had such pain in my life, now I hardly remember it. I cannot take my eyes from this child. When the labor got so intense, Joseph was so scared that he went got the Inn keeper and they sent for the wise woman. She came and helped me breathe and then had me sit up to push the child out into the world. He is so perfect and so beautiful! Naomi, the Innkeeper's wife brought linen to wrap him in and we cried and laughed together. Joseph was amazed at his beauty and perfection and couldn't stop touching him and looking at those little fingers and toes.
When the bustle of the birthing was over, the sun was setting and Naomi brought us a lovely supper. We ate like royalty surrounded by the straw and the animals. It was a cool night, and we were just about to tall asleep, three of us, leaning together, when shepherds appeared! One very talkative little boy told us that angels had spoken to them to come and see! And somehow, after all of this, I truly believed him. He had run all the way, ahead of his brothers to see for himself! We sat up with them, sharing food and our angel stories. The moon was so beautiful and the stars shone - it seemed just for us. Oh, Aunt Elizabeth, I am sorry for all my doubt and fears tonight. With God, anything and everything is truly possible.
May your little one and this boy meet soon. God has done great things for us and gives the promise for more wondrous miracles.
much love,
Mary
In that 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,When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:1-20
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
Dear Auntie,
It was wonderful and terrible, so simple and yet so hard! Although I had never had such pain in my life, now I hardly remember it. I cannot take my eyes from this child. When the labor got so intense, Joseph was so scared that he went got the Inn keeper and they sent for the wise woman. She came and helped me breathe and then had me sit up to push the child out into the world. He is so perfect and so beautiful! Naomi, the Innkeeper's wife brought linen to wrap him in and we cried and laughed together. Joseph was amazed at his beauty and perfection and couldn't stop touching him and looking at those little fingers and toes.
When the bustle of the birthing was over, the sun was setting and Naomi brought us a lovely supper. We ate like royalty surrounded by the straw and the animals. It was a cool night, and we were just about to tall asleep, three of us, leaning together, when shepherds appeared! One very talkative little boy told us that angels had spoken to them to come and see! And somehow, after all of this, I truly believed him. He had run all the way, ahead of his brothers to see for himself! We sat up with them, sharing food and our angel stories. The moon was so beautiful and the stars shone - it seemed just for us. Oh, Aunt Elizabeth, I am sorry for all my doubt and fears tonight. With God, anything and everything is truly possible.
May your little one and this boy meet soon. God has done great things for us and gives the promise for more wondrous miracles.
much love,
Mary
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