We enjoyed one of our Christmases with family this past weekend. Traveling, hoteling, shopping ~ it was a really nice visit. Handmade gifts were given, gifts of inspiration, gifts to encourage family time, and no "gift cards" for the first time ever I think. (love that)
I had time in prayer & time to reflect where I spend my time, talents and money. I see new things in 2009, new commitments, new aspirations and renewed devotion. Soaring feelings of hope and promise ~ and I wish the same for you my friend.
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
Agnes M. Pharo
The Friendly Beasts
Jesus, our brother, kind and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude,
And the friendly beasts around Him stood;
Jesus, our brother, kind and good.
"I", said the donkey, shaggy and brown
"I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town;
I", said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
"I", said the cow, all white and red,
"I gave Him my manger for His bed;
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head;
I", said the cow, all white and red.
"I", said the sheep with curly horn,
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm.
He wore my coat on Christmas morn.
I", said the sheep with curly horn.
"I", said the dove from the rafters high,
"Cooed Him to sleep, that He should not cry,
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I.
I", said the dove from the rafters high.
Thus every beast by some good spell,
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel,
The gift he gave Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "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."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
