From our family to all of you who take the time to read.
Merry Christmas and may God Bless your holiday and the year to come!
Luke 2 (King James Version)(Some passages just don't sound as good in any other translation)
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And 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:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
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.
1 comment:
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Angels always say, "Do not fear." That's because they stand in the presence of God and carry an aspect of holiness with their presence among humans. It instills immediate fear- we're so unworthy.
I love the message they bring the shepherds- "I bring YOU good tidings, which shall be for ALL people." It's a blessing for the shepherds, but it's bigger than just the shepherds. It's for all people.
My thesis is that God's blessings are never JUST about us. He blesses us, but he always has a bigger purpose to use us to be a blessing in turn to others. And the deeper level of discipleship is not, "what can I get from God?" or "what have I received from God?" but "how does God want me to use the blessing to glorify him?"
Verse 14 in the KJV sounds good, but a more accurate translation reads, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests." It's about grace, not world peace or wishing good things for people.
OK- sorry again for all the pontificating.
Merry Christmas!
Post a Comment