May Your Dreams Come True…….
May Happy hours and sweetest flowers be strewn along
Life’s way for you, Unceasingly
And may the light of love burn bright As god’s own stars
Which shine for you, Unchangingly!
‘Praise ye the Lord’
One Time Ago in Bethelehem, So the Holy Bible says…
Mary’s Boy Child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus made it a rule that all the world should be taxed and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Joseph with his wife Mary also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into the Judaeu, unto the city of David, called Bethelehem. And so it was, Mary expected a baby. Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem even though the baby was nearly due. Mary packed the things for their journey. They set off for Bethlehem. Mary was able to ride on a donkey. After several days Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem.
The streets were crowded, as many people had come to pay their taxes. All the inns were full. “No room at the inn!” said the innkeepers.
Mary was very tired. A kind innkeeper Marc, a lame boy took pity on Mary and Joseph and showed them to his stable. “You can sleep here if you wish. My animals will help keep you warm.” Mary and Joseph prepared a place to rest in the stable. They filled a manger with straw to make a crib ready for baby Jesus. During the night the baby was born.
At this time, on a hill outside the town, some shepherds were sat guarding their sheep. They heard singing. Then the angel Gabriel appeared. The shepherds were frightened. And the angel said “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 savior, 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 towards mankind” The shepherds were thrilled by the good news. They left their sheep and went into Bethlehem to find the baby. They were guided to the stable by a bright light in the sky. When the shepherds found baby Jesus they knelt down before him in wonder.
Many miles away in the East, three wise men saw a shining star. They knew the star was a special sign and they set off to follow it. Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar followed the star for many days. The star led them to Bethlehem.
The wise men found Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. They knelt in worship and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
When the people of Bethlehem saw this they also knelt in worship. The people were filled with joy now that Jesus their Saviour was born. People glorified and praised god for the newborn Jesus, the son of God.
Since that special day, Christians all over the world remember the birthday of Jesus. This special day is known as Christmas. At this happy time of year people give thanks to God. Carols are sung in Church. Christmas greetings and gifts are sent to family and friends. Houses are decorated with bright, coloured lights, sometimes these are hung on an evergreen tree. Families enjoy sharing a celebration dinner together.
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