A Christmas Tale
Dean
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
---From The Gospel According to Matthew
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And he shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many people:
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruninghooks:
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4
His greatest treasures are here on Earth, are his Four Women. That would be Max Lucado's WIFE and THREE...
Daughters. Their voices blending were from Heaven and sounded like Four Angels.
They sang, EMMANUEL, and you FELT THEIR PRESENCE, THEIR VOICES WERE WITHOUT ANY POSSIBLE DOUBT FROM THE LORD HIMSELF. Then appeared a most beautiful young woman dancing ballet as she interrepted, THE HOLY SPIRIT.
What a remarkable christian minister, speaker and author. With my family there, I was once again brought to tears. The first tearful joy was when they arrived to my new safe, and secure aboad, where I can go out onto my balcony and see the North Star!
Thank you Son! I miss you so very much, my Eldest, my Pride and my Joy. And OH YES YOU WERE RIGHT BESIDE ME IN SPIRIT because I FELT YOUR PRESENCE, even tho' we are miles apart.
Merry Christmas,
Love Mother
I personally thank the Lord Jesus Christ that we are blessed with good people such as Dean and the Queen. :>)
Love and Light!
T___
Yes, that gives the snotty openings for attack, but perhaps they'll lay off on this solemn and joyful day.
Thank you for posting the message. One time, perhaps, it will stick, for both of us.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
I recall a conversation with a man about the subject of Mary's pregnancy and what she told Joseph.
The man had brought the subject up and had snickered at Joseph, saying that he was a fool for just believing what Mary had told him about the pregnancy.
I informed him that Joseph *hadn't* believed it at first and point out this passage. I admit to being a little snarky with the guy, telling him that he ought to read a book before critiquing it.
One of my many sins! :-)
May you be happy, joyful and full today!