Christmas

The story starts like this

While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the guestroom.

There were shepherds in the neighbourhood keeping watch over their flock by night. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory shone around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to announce good and joyful news that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David’s town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, hurrying, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they told everyone they met the message about this child. All who heard the shepherds marvelled at what they told. Mary kept all these things in her heart and pondered them.

The shepherds returned back to their flock, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It had been exactly the way they’d been told!