The first Christmas

[Padraig18]

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The Angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

---Gospel of St. Luke, 2:1-14

Meery Christmas, all! :)

[LARED]

1. And a Merry Christmas to you

Thanks

[RobertSeattle]

2. Sometimes the old bad translation is better than the new correct one

"to those on whom his favor rests" instead of "to All" - Ugh. God choosing sides?

[xchrom]

3. merry christmas!

my favorite holiday! blessings to all!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary

When she withdrew
From her family
To a place in the East
She placed a screen
(To screen herself) from them;
Then We sent to her
Our angel, and he appeared
Before her as a man
In all respects.

She said: "I seek refuge
From thee to (Allah)
Most Gracious: (come not near)
If thou dost fear Allah."

He said: "Nay, I am only
A messenger from thy Lord,
(To announce) to thee
The gift of a holy son."

She said: "How shall I
Have a son, seeing that
No man has touched me,
And I am not unchaste?"

He said:"So (it will be);
Thy Lord saith, "That is
Easy for Me: and (We
Wish) to appoint him
As a Sign unto men
And a Mercy from Us:
It is a matter
(So) decreed."

Surah 19 (Maryam) 2:16-21

[Padraig18]

5. Thank you!

I've heard, but never read that account. Thanks for sharing it! :)

[Mikimouse]

6. Merry Christmas to everyone and wishes for

a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Let's all decide that this year will be one that is marked with compassion and understanding toward those who are less fortunate than are we. Seems to me that we celebrate today because of one who gave us examples of exactly what that means. Bless the poor, indigent, the lonely, and the sad. My hope is that they will receive what they need most-Hope. :grouphug:

[ClassWarrior]

7. Merry Christmas to you, Padraig...

...and to everyone here at DU.

You all are truly a blessing.


(And the version from the Koran was especially nice to read for this Christian.)

[Padraig18]

8. Thank you!

:)