Joy To The World

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he wa)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Text with links found at Christian Answers. Although newer translations are considered to be closer to the original, I prefer the majestic poetry of the King James Version for the Christmas story.

Previously at Miss Cellania: Good Tidings of Great Joy

Thought for today: ...and on earth, peace, good will toward men.

This post originally appeared on December 25th, 2005. 

Luke 2 Jesus Christmas Bethlehem

Comments

[Carl]

Peace by with you and yours, Miss C. It has been a great gift to know you this Christmas.

[TECH]

Merry Christmas!

[Wulfweard The White]

Beautiful Post.

[Hale McKay]

Merry Christmas and the best to you and yours. I liked your telling of the Biblical story with the pictures. Too often that part of the Christmas scene is omitted. I too, used the real reason for Christmas on my post.

[Erudite Redneck]

Merry Christmas, Miss C!

[ReindeerFeathers]

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, MsC.

[Chris]

Merry Christmas, Miss C

[aly & ford]

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[threecollie]

Lovely post! Merry Christmas

[konagod]

Merry Christmas, Miss C! Get a fire going!

[Walt]

I really miss having a good woman around at Christmas time.

http://deemusic.homestead.com/baconbeans.html

Feed me and I'll be your friend for life.
This blog never liked me! Now it will not take my e-mail address. YourKeeper~@~gmail.com Just remember to take out the snakes.

[Hale McKay]

This post stood the test of time. It was just as good two years later.

Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your family and may there be many more to come.