O God, help me to read these words, not only with my eyes, but with my understanding also, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And Joseph went up unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, with Mary, his espoused wife. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born 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. OU have probably heard so often of that first Christmas Day, that you have begun to take it almost as a matter of course. The birth of the Infant Jesus in the stable is so familiar to you, that you do not think so old a story at all wonderful or strange. Perhaps you never think about it at all, and yet, had it not been for that first Christmas, you and I would have lost more than either of us can understand. When Adam and Eve first brought sin into the world by their disobedience, it did not only put us under the power of the devil, but the gate of Heaven, which before was open to us all, was closed. It was in order to open that gate once more, and to take us out of the power of the devil, that Christ |