Dear friends,

Nothing I can share with you this week can compare to the Gospel reading on Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-14):

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.

This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there, the time came to have her child, and she gave birth to her first-born son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek