Dec 24.97: Light For The Day - "The First Christmas"

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called
"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

-- Isaiah 9:6 (RSV)
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"The First Christmas"

'Twas the very first Christmas and all through the land, 
The people were waiting, the birth was at hand. 
The birth of our Savior, the Son of our King,
The one who was promised, who forgiveness would bring.

But the story began about nine months before,
With a girl named Mary whom we've come to adore.
To Joseph she'd promised to become his wife,
When a miracle happened that would change her life.

An angel named Gabriel appeared before Mary,
To tell her God's son, she soon would carry.
"I am the Lord's servant," is what she replied,
And the baby Lord Jesus began growing inside.

As the day of the birth began to draw near, 
Mary and Joseph were dismayed to hear
That Augustus had ordered a count of all Rome, 
And Joseph must go to the town of his home.
Since he had descended from David, the king,
To Bethlehem they went, while God was watching.

When they arrived, they sought out a room,
For the baby was ready to depart the womb.
But due to the census, the rooms were all gone,
So they went to a stable to sleep until dawn.
But that very night, Mary bore her first son,
Just as Gabriel had foretold would be done.

Meanwhile shepherds were tending their flock,
When an angel appeared (which was quite a shock).
The shepherds were scared by this wondrous sight,
But the angel assured them that it was alright.

The Savior was born in the city this day, 
Is what that dear angel went on to say.
All wrapped up in cloths in a manger He'll be,
And that is the way you will know it is He.

Off went the shepherds to see their new King,
The tale of the angel to Mary they'd bring.
All in that stable were amazed at their story,
As they realized the fullness of God's loving glory.

Also that night, a new star appeared,
It's purpose to guide three Magi revered.
These kings from the east had studied the sky,
So when the new star arose, they figured out why.

To Jerusalem they went, the baby to see,
But King Herod was there and he was angry.
A new King to him was a terrible threat,
So he met with the Magi, some info to get.

He found out the time when the star had first shown,
Then to Bethlehem sent the Magi alone.
He asked them to find the new King of the Jews,
And send back to him, all of the news.

Off went the Magi to finish their trip,
They found the new King and knelt down to worship.
They presented their gifts of myrrh, frankincense, gold,
To this new King of whom prophets foretold.
God warned the Magi that Herod was rotten,
So they did not send back the news they had gotten.

Now you have heard of the first Christmas season,
The holiday's purpose, it's most divine reason -
The birth of Lord Jesus, our Savior and King,
The one sent by God, his message to bring.

Now let us rejoice and remember the day,
That Jesus came down, our sins to allay.
Remember the lessons, He urged us to learn,
And pray for the day when He will return.

- Author Unknown
(First Presbyterian Church)
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"For God so loved the world that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not 
perish but have eternal life. 
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn
the world, but that the world might be saved through
Him."
-- John 3:16-17 (RSV) 

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Prayer:
You have made my life so much different than it
was before. I cannot thank you enough for all you
have given me. I ask that the love you sent so
long ago be reborn in me this day, and every day
to come, that I might proclaim,
"Christ is with us. Hallelujah!" Amen.

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MERRY CHRISTmas & "BLESSING" NEW YEAR 
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