BROADCASTS.com

Published: Dec. 25, 2023, 9 a.m.

When you get right down to it, the only thing that really matters in the Christmas story in 2023 is Jesus. No Santa, gifts, or Bing Crosby. Just Jesus.

Here's the original story as recorded in Luke's Gospel, just as it happened. I am reading from The Message, by Eugene Peterson. Luke 2: 1-20

The Birth of Jesus\xa0

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David\u2019s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fianc\xe9e, who was pregnant.\xa0

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.\xa0

An Event for Everyone\xa0

There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God\u2019s angel stood among them and God\u2019s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid. I\u2019m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David\u2019s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you\u2019re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.\u201d\xa0

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God\u2019s praises:\xa0

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.\xa0

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. \u201cLet\u2019s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.\u201d They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.\xa0

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they\u2019d been told!

____________

Merry Christmas 2023, everyone.

Other episodes or resources related to today\u2019s shows

208: Christmas - A Time to Reflect \xa0 \xa0

207: How to Help the People We Love at Christmas

Blog post: The Joy of Christmas Past

Our Sponsor

You Were Made for This is sponsored by Caring for Others, a missionary care ministry. The generosity of people like you supports our ministry. It enables us to continue this weekly podcast and other services we provide to missionaries around the world.