The sweetest story.

The sweetest story. Christmas, 2016

The day we celebrate our Lord's birth draws nigh . . .
Have you heard the sweet old story yet this Christmas season?
I shall never tire of it.
May your heart be renewed with joy!

Luke’s familiar rendering of the events-

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 this taxing was first made when
Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
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 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 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 the 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 round 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 born 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 toward men.
Luke 2.1-14

Luke's detailed account pinpointed Jesus' birth in history, since he gave the names of the leaders of the day. Ah. . . the story of Jesus. . . the story so precious, as the Holy One came to live amongst us, loving, teaching, touching, healing.

May you feel His presence this Christmas season as you never have. Especially if your heart is aching, may the divine love of Jesus bind your wounds, and fill your heart. Remember . . . his love for you endures forever . . . his love for you is extravagant!

May the announcement made 2,000 plus years ago to those simple shepherds invade our hearts and lives--may the fact that the Savior came to us light a fire inside of us. When the shepherds saw Mary's baby Jesus for themselves, they 'spread the word, and all who heard it were amazed.' Do we talk about our experience with Jesus in such a way that people are amazed, and attracted to Him?

O, that we may experience and share these good tidings of great joy!

Christmas love to you,
Christine Todd DiGiacomo
PastorWoman.com