Merry Christmas!

Our family Nativity scene.
12/12/2015 dwm photo

 It's Christmas Day.  

 There will be presents, family gatherings, basketball and football on TV... all kinds of things to get in the way of Christmas... so let's pick up the story where we left off.

 Luke 2: 5 - 20

  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 guest room available for them.

  

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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, 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 heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

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.

Merry Christmas - Joy to the World!

Rotary Gardens Christmas - 12/12/2015 dwm photo

The tradition of decorating trees inside the South Dakota Capitol began in 1981.  I was blessed to do several stories about the unique celebration.  Press play below to play.

The regular Saturday blog, My Week that Was, goes live at 8 am CST.  Thanks for reading!