Today Allen and I were driving around, doing some last minute Christmas shopping, but really just taking it slow and enjoying each other. You may not believe that we were really taking it slow 2 days before Christmas, but its true. We really went to "Little" Nashville, parked the car, and just walked through the shops, taking in the sights and enjoying ourselves. One of the first things I saw after getting out of the car was this beautiful manger scene. I have no idea how old it is, but its a little banged up, so I'm assuming its been around through at least a few Christmas's. I thought it was quite beautiful. And right then and there, Allen and I decided that this would be our goal of the day. We were looking for Nativity scenes among the quaint shops of Nashville.
It was a beautiful reminder of the reason that anyone ever even began to celebrate Christmas. It is the celebration of our Lord, Jesus' birth. No wonder, to us it seems joyous and happy. All of Heaven must join in our celebration.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And 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. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
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