I am a Christian and as such, I grew up believing the story of the birth of Jesus. I understand there are many other religions and viewpoints in the world. Because I am an American, I have the freedom to believe as I wish; because I believe, I have tolerance for the beliefs of others.
For me, I come back to the story of the birth of Jesus. What must it have been like for the poor people in the field watching over their sheep? Can you imagine the total darkness of the night suddenly blasted away by the arrival of angels? How fearful do you think they were, when they saw something they could not comprehend?
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
I am a Christian and I choose to believe this story. I recognize others choose not to believe. And as much as I believe, I am not going to force my beliefs on others.
But I do wish for one thing; I would hope that whether you believe or not, whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, or some other religion, I hope you believe in, as I do, the peace of the season. As it is appropriate for you, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or Season’s Greetings.
Enjoy your family, rest and relax, be peaceful, and know peace.
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© 2010 J. Clark
Blessings to you and your family Joe especially Ardis. Be sure and hug those new grandbabies. Hopefully things are warming up for you down south. We got another 4 inches of snow last evening. Jeanne
Merry Christmas to you and Dean, and all of your family. Ardis is dishing out hugs to those grandbabies faster’n I have ever seen hugs dished out! Temperatures are better here and I still cannot fathom how any human being can live in less than 70 degrees F! What is up with that? OK, I also have a request – if Jack and Dominic (about the same age) ever have the chance to meet, please keep Jack from teaching Dominic where to hide pacifiers… that blog post has given me nightmares ever since I read it! ;o)
Well said. Merry Christmas everyone and a very Happy New Year.
Joe: Very nicely done sir! Happy Christmas to both you and Ardis and the generations that have followed you.
Shalom on this day of peace,
— David