And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
And the virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women!"
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God! And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
(The Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 1, v. 26-35.)
Thanks, Dean. I appreciate your gesture for your friends who believe. We went this evening to a beautiful candle light Christmas Eve service at our church and reading your post just now gives a nice touch to the end of the this special night. May you and yours have a happy and joyful time together as you celebrate Christmas together.
Dean, thank you. I spent part of this afternoon with some parishioners in their home down in the valley— then this evening, the Christmas Eve Sunday school program at St. John's, which always concludes with singing Silent Night in German— then over to the home of some other parishioners, and just got back in the door a few minutes ago. Tomorrow morning, over into Wisconsin to visit family for a few days. Then back home by Saturday evening, and the sermon had better be there in my head by Sunday morning.
Best Christmas wishes to you and Rosemary and Jake. May or may not have Internet access these next couple of days— talk to you in a few.
Merry Christmas! I just came from my church's carol sing/Midnight service and boy are my vocal cords tired.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukah!
Merry Christmas, Dean. As another said, thanks for recognizing why those of faith celebrate this day.
Paul, I've heard it in German some long time ago, and read the lyrics of "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht". Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics. Beautiful thoughts. Happy holidays, in Iowa as well as in Wisconsin.
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
Dean, how very poignant that you posted from Luke. It would take a book on my behalf to tell you and your readers just how magnificent Luke is in my life.
I do not imagine Luke had any idea that millions of people would benefit from his words. Luke probes for the truth like a fine surgeon and I have truly been blessed in reading from this fine author.
Last night, at the stroke of midnight, my old hands were doing me in with this darn rheumatoid arthritis and I just wanted to scream! My little kitten made a noise just about that time and got my attention so I went into the living room and there sat my favorite Bible by Max Lucado. I really and truly just had to laugh at my kitten that I call, Pipsqueak. Well, I bet you can figure out what I am going to tell you Mr. Esmay. I went to my favorite author, Luke and read and read verse after verse with tears in my eyes and then called a dear friend of mine and we watched a mass and talked about mother Mary. I told my friend no matter what I have ever done in this life, the most precious and honored is that of being able to give life and to have my children and then grandchildren. Jewels, land, nothing-nothing.
Merry Christmas Dean, Rosemary and Jacob what a most cherished name to call your son!
Janelle, you must be either well-versed in Biblical history, a very perceptive reader, or both. Many scholars think Luke was a Greek physician, so it's interesting you should compare him to a fine surgeon. He is the patron Saint of physicians and surgeons. I also like Luke's Gospel because he seems to do more to include the stories of Jesus and His interaction with women (note the subject of this post).
Merry Christmas to all.
How strange. Dean, the following are quotations from your blog site from November.
"Thanks for reminding me why I'm not a Christian."
"I'm just being honest: If that is the definition of an "infinitely loving" God, then God can s*** my dick."
"Catholic theology? Tens of millions of Christians consider that satanic by nature."
"I was afraid to say that for a long time. I'm not now, because I'm quite at peace with it. I don't really believe God is evil, however, because I don't believe the Christian God exists. I'm no longer convinced any god exists at all, and if one does it's probably well beyond the conception of any earthly religion."
"Agnostic, humanist, bright, whatever you want to call it, I'm no longer a member of the fold."
"The Jews don't view God the way you do, Bill or Pete. Neither do many others who say they worship the God of Abraham. Also, I'm an apostate, so I believe I "know" quite a bit of you guys' view. I've just rejected it utterly, as horrifying and ugly."
I am indeed inspired ! Anyone who is living be they Christian, Jew, Agnostic, Athiest, Muslim,seeker of truth..the message that Christ carried has to leave you in awe...it all come's back to what goes around...comes around...by the way many Blessings to The rosy one and a hug to Jake..
I am indeed inspired ! Anyone who is living be they Christian, Jew, Agnostic, Athiest, Muslim,seeker of truth..the message that Christ carried has to leave you in awe...it all come's back to what goes around...comes around...by the way many Blessings to The rosy one and a hug to Jake..