Wednesday, December 24, 2008

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

 

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.


Matthew 1:18-25

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 public 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.


A Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!

Note: Many years ago, my mother made the Nativity set in the picture in a ceramics class. I think it's lovely, and, of course, I treasure the set, because she made it for me. In due time, the Three Kings and the camels shall miraculously appear.

The post is timed for Christmas Day on the East Coast. I'll be in church.

15 comments:

  1. Praying for you and yours a very joyous and blessed Christmas. Enjoy this great day of love and hope. You so deserve wonders each day for you always provide them to so many.

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  2. Yes, Merry Christmas Mimi and family

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  3. Happy Holidays Mimi to you and all those who comment on your wonderful blog!

    If you get the chance check out the latest post on my blog, I posted a picture of the Obama ornament I made. :-)

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  4. Thank you all! I'm still basking in our simple, but lovely, service from last night/this morning.

    Virtual hugs and kisses all around.

    Have a great day!

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  5. What a treasure that Nativity set is. I am still basking in the service at Mission San Gabriel last night.

    Joyeux Noël!

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  6. I was just thinking how peaceful last night's service was, also. No big, bombastic, anthems, Just 'Sleeps Judea Fair', and congregational hymns. It was loverly.

    Merry Christmas, Mimi and Tom! A Happy New Year to you and all your kith and kin!

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  7. A beautiful nativity scene! And I am guessing the Three Kings will arrive on the Ephinany. Merry Christmas!

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  8. trying to leave a comment and not doing very well! Merry christmas! I love the nativity set.

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  9. We had a lovely day. I hope that all of you did, too.

    Renz, prayers for your friend's mother and her family.

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  10. A belated but very happy Christmas to you and yours, dear Mimi! Thank you for your friendship and ministry. Big hugs from the North of the Southland!

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  11. Ministry, Jane? Thank you. Well, I suppose it is that in a way. Now that you've said it, I hope it is, my dear friend.

    I'm using the Jesus prayer from your book as I walk in the evening, and it often draws me into contemplating the presence of God. I say the form, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." Long ago, I used the prayer in meditation, but I had got out of the habit. Now I'm getting back into the habit with fruitful results, thanks to you.

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