The Christmas Story
As I sit here peering at the shimmering lights of our Christmas Tree, I recall the shining star of 2000 years ago .. the Christmas Story. No, not the “You’ll shoot your eye out” Christmas Story. But the story I enjoy reading to the kids every Christmas morning. It goes something like this:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Whether you are Christian or not, remember the reason for the season. Yes, it’s the birth of Jesus Christ but it’s also the season of giving; the season of sharing; and the season of caring. Those are gifts we can all give, rich and poor. Don’t wait for the joy of the season to come to you; take it to others. That’s where you’ll find true joy. Tell someone today that you have enjoyed working with them this past year. Tell them you enjoy their smile, their morning greeting, their cheer. Remember the teachings of Dale Carnegie — “You’ll have more success in two months being genuinely interested in people than you will in two years trying to get people interested in you.” Be giving of yourself this day, this year, and next. Share with others, even if only a smile — that’s free. Genuinely care for others. Thank you to all of you Aquaterrians for sharing yourself with us this year.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night (or good rest of the year). Have a great and safe New Year as well.
