Jesus Christ is born !

Beautiful angels surrounded the birth of Jesus. My angel tree is just inside the front door to my home.

In Luke 1:26 an angel appears to Mary. "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her, "Do Not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

An angel also appeared to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 1:20. "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

In Luke 2:8 an angel appeared again: 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 on whom his favor rests."



When our children were young Ron and I made this nativity set. It's all white ceramic trimmed in gold.

Luke 2:4 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.

Our Savior is born. I often stare at this scene and wonder what Mary and Joseph were thinking. Angels were everywhere. Prophecy abounded. Yet, when it was time for Mary to deliver all was quiet. The Savior of the world slipped into our world as a tiny baby, in the quiet night, in an obscure stable. Were Mary and Joseph expecting more? Were they scared? Perhaps they simply settled into the "simple" miracle of the child they held.

My wish for you this Christmas morning is that you see Angels and Miracles in every aspect of your life. Cherish the smiles of your children. Hug your spouse and feel the love that surrounds you. Be thankful not only for the little things but even for the twinkling lights on your tree. We live in a marvelous world. Even when life hasn't given us everything we want - we are blessed. Just as Mary and Joseph were blessed in that stable all alone in the quiet - we too can be blessed today.

Look forward to all the things God has planned for you. Even though Mary and Joseph were alone at the birth of Jesus - angels were preparing to greet the shepherds. You may feel a little stressed about your life right now but be encouraged. Angels may be in your future!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

God loves you,

Debbie