By Clif Knight

Families celebrate the Christmas holiday in a variety of ways. They range from decorating their homes and grounds with brightly lit trees and look-alike inflatable holiday characters, rush big box department stores for gifts to place under the tree and sharing in the excitement of getting together with family and friends for holiday parties and gift exchanges. They are just a few of the reasons why we take a day off from work to celebrate December 25. However, they pale in comparison to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.

The meaning is found in the second chapter of Luke, the gospel writer,

as follows:

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

So, all went to be registered, everyone in his own city.

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.

To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So, it was. that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths. And laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them,

Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you. You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men.”

Best wishes to you and your family for a blessed Christmas.