#20 - 20th Christmas Tree post, the Christmas Story

Manger scene, live by little children 

What you see is a beginning scenario of the Biblical Christmas story put on by the children of our church at 4PM yesterday, Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  

The characters took the stage category of the folks at the birth of the Baby Jesus.  It began with Mary, center woman, standing by her 'husband', Joseph, as she picks up the baby from the manger in which He was born.  You may remember the song that children love to sing, "Away in a Manger," we sang it in grade school at Nebraska. 

Then up the isle beside our seats came the two shepherds, taking their place next to Joseph on the right, followed by four sheep siting on the floor in front.   Then up the isle cam the three angels to station on the left.  

Finally there three wisemen, here to be on the left but the Bible, book of Matthew, says that Jesus and his parents were in their home for the wisemen visit.  The group stayed for much singing.  The scene above the manger group is a projection that stayed for much of the program but was replaced by the lyrics of the songs when the congregation was to sing.  

The children left after the singing and would be replaced by the pastor.  His sermon was based on the use of the word, "Behold" as it meandered here and there as the Christmas story was discussed.  It started in the book of Issiah with a prophesy of Jesus' coming.  

 

Picture courtesy of Hobby Lobby

Luke 2 New King James Version:  

Christ Born of Mary 

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed a wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

 Glory in the Highest 

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” 

 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the, shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 

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If you would like to have a Bible to read this passage, and more--like a Bible search for one, you could get one on-line here, as I have done, then save it with your Favorites, or other, click here: https://www.biblegateway.com/

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