I love reading the account of the birth of Christ in the Gospel of Luke because it is so focused on Mary. Luke begins his letter by stating that he has done a lot of research - which right off the bat makes him a kindred spirit. It's also the version of the Christmas story my mom taught me as a child - beginning with the angel Gabriel appearing to the priest Zechariah to tell him that he and his wife Elizabeth were going to have a son, John the Baptist, then to Elizabeth's cousin Mary to tell her that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
7 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.8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 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.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Merry Christmas!
This is such a great reminder that Christmas should be focused on Christ. I actually haven't thought about which version of the story is my favorite. Probably the version in Luke because I am most familiar with it and grew up hearing it every Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that Luke is the book Linus quotes in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," too :)
DeleteI never thought of Luke as a Kindred spirit. Now I must focus on that. The scripture you quoted really is one of my favorites. Looking back I wonder how awkward it must have been for Mary to be a virgin giving birth to the most famous son. And then she gave birth in a stable with some many crowded to see after the birth. The whole story still amazes me.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to imagine this very pregnant woman and her fiance running around town and absolutely NO ONE offering them a place to stay! And having to give birth in a stable - so scary!
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