My favorite part of this time of year is the story of the birth of Jesus.
Mary and Joseph were betrothed to be married when she informed Joseph she was with child, the Son of God. Joseph had made up his mind to privately divorce Mary, believing she had been unfaithful until an angel came to him in his dream, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
When Joseph woke up he did as the Angel of the Lord instructed him. He took Mary home as his wife but had no union with her until after the birth of the Child.
Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, to register for the census ordered by the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus. By the time they arrived in Bethlehem the inn was full so they stayed in a stable. It was here that Jesus was born. No crib was available, just a manger.
That night an angel came to some shepherds keeping watch over their flock. He announced the birth of a Savior. The shepherds hurried into Bethlehem and found Jesus in a manger, just as the angel had told them. After they had seen Jesus they spread the news and everyone was in awe.
Wise Men from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a new King. They came to Judea to worship Jesus, continuing to Bethlehem and following the star until they found Jesus where they knelt down to worship Him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
I love this story. It is the story of Hope, and the foundation of my Faith. I hope to always establish in my children Christmas is about Christ and celebrating his birth, not the gifts under the tree.
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