The Holy Bible is many things.  A tome of the miraculous relationship of a Supreme Being with His creation.  A device to fashion a life of good acts and deeds.  A missal for introspective prayer.  A means for restoring the balance of a man’s life experience with his needs.

      It is also, however, a great work of literature filled with sublime poetry.  There is no greater example of this then the Gospel’s description of the Christ Birth, filled with the most intense visual ques, profound allegories, and overarching spiritual beauty.  We only need to read a few phrases to immediately attach ourselves to the intimate scene and our eternal connection to the Christmas story and all of its inherent meaning and reflected glory.   In this Christmas season of 2010, take a few minutes again to absorb the beautiful words, craft, and meaning, of the greatest story ever told:

Luke 2: 1-20

“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 all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, 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 so 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 that 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 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 borne 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 towards men.’  And it came to pass,as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us go now even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass,  which the Lord hath made known to us.”

” And they came with haste,  and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it,  they made known abroad the saying which was told to them concerning this child.   And all that they heard it wondered at those things which were told by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had seen and heard, as it was told unto them.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!