THE BIBLE NATIVITY STORY
KJV Bible--Luke 2:1-38, Matthew 2:1-23
Luke 2:1-38 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor in Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David.) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.
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 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, 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. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. and when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. and it was revealed unto him by Holy Ghost , that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sward shall pierce through thy own soul also,)that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. and she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Matthew 2:1-23 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled with was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called Nazarene.
________________
Let us not forget the reason for the season. We would have no Christmas without Christ.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! And Merry Christmas to you, every one!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Road Trip - Arizona Sunset
I know it's probably not what you might expect a couple of days before Christmas, but I was thinking about the road trip we took over the summer and longed to see those Arizona sunsets again. I felt the need to find some calming, entrancing, moments that might bring me a little peace.
A moment of calm in the midst of the storm that is Christmas with an eager child, an exhausted mother (she lives next door), a hyper mexican jumping bean of a dachshund, crazy cats that want our attention 24/7, no matter what you are doing and believe me, they will get right up in the middle of it (oh, and they might look squishy but don't be fooled - one of them is an attack cat and he's tried to kill me a couple of times), the constant barking of our 100 lb thinks-he's-a-lap-dog watch dog and general warning siren alerting us to more neighbors arriving for Christmas hospitality, party goings-on, traveling cat, or limbs waving in the wind - he alerts us to every sight and sound. Can be a good thing - or a bad thing - depending on how ya look at it, or what mood you're in, or what hour he wakes you. We live in the country, so we get many a wild animal scurrying through the yard, usually looking for a free meal. I can't help it, ok? I can't let those poor babies starve. The neighbors cats usually come over to eat, as well.
I digress. Sorry. You know how I ramble.
Road trip. Yes. We traveled through about 11 states, in about 13 days, covering over 5300 miles. Hallie, Mama and me. Was it relaxing? Not really. But it was breathtakingly beautiful and I enjoyed every...well...most minutes of it. I was tired from all the driving, as others were evidently tired from riding.
It was also...interesting...to see my old stomping grounds in Great Falls, Montana, where I spent a few years in the Air Force. Not at all like I remembered it. Guess you really can't go home again. *sniff* I admit, I bawled like a baby. So did Mama (she and Daddy had visited me there several times). Hallie just caressed our arms, trying to comfort us, while wearing a perplexed expression. You'd think she would be used to dealing with my hormonal shifts and emotional mood swings - I am a woman, after all. I break into tears just from a song playing on the radio, or a familiar fragrance taking me away to way back when.
Anyway, I thought I'd just post some photos of those AZ sunsets and you can join me down memory lane and a smidgen of our road trip. Perhaps I'll post some pics of the Grand Canyon another day. I can finally cross that one off my bucket list! I wanna go back! Without further ado, enjoy.
A moment of calm in the midst of the storm that is Christmas with an eager child, an exhausted mother (she lives next door), a hyper mexican jumping bean of a dachshund, crazy cats that want our attention 24/7, no matter what you are doing and believe me, they will get right up in the middle of it (oh, and they might look squishy but don't be fooled - one of them is an attack cat and he's tried to kill me a couple of times), the constant barking of our 100 lb thinks-he's-a-lap-dog watch dog and general warning siren alerting us to more neighbors arriving for Christmas hospitality, party goings-on, traveling cat, or limbs waving in the wind - he alerts us to every sight and sound. Can be a good thing - or a bad thing - depending on how ya look at it, or what mood you're in, or what hour he wakes you. We live in the country, so we get many a wild animal scurrying through the yard, usually looking for a free meal. I can't help it, ok? I can't let those poor babies starve. The neighbors cats usually come over to eat, as well.
I digress. Sorry. You know how I ramble.
Road trip. Yes. We traveled through about 11 states, in about 13 days, covering over 5300 miles. Hallie, Mama and me. Was it relaxing? Not really. But it was breathtakingly beautiful and I enjoyed every...well...most minutes of it. I was tired from all the driving, as others were evidently tired from riding.
It was also...interesting...to see my old stomping grounds in Great Falls, Montana, where I spent a few years in the Air Force. Not at all like I remembered it. Guess you really can't go home again. *sniff* I admit, I bawled like a baby. So did Mama (she and Daddy had visited me there several times). Hallie just caressed our arms, trying to comfort us, while wearing a perplexed expression. You'd think she would be used to dealing with my hormonal shifts and emotional mood swings - I am a woman, after all. I break into tears just from a song playing on the radio, or a familiar fragrance taking me away to way back when.
Anyway, I thought I'd just post some photos of those AZ sunsets and you can join me down memory lane and a smidgen of our road trip. Perhaps I'll post some pics of the Grand Canyon another day. I can finally cross that one off my bucket list! I wanna go back! Without further ado, enjoy.
Wanted to upload a few more but the system is reeeeeeeeeealyyyyyy ssssssslllllloooooowwww.Night! Love y'all!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Can you believe Christmas will be here in six days? Six days! Are you ready? I'm not ready! Still have a few treasures to buy. Still need to wrap. So many things to do. Now, I know you must be saying, "It's been December for a few weeks now. Thanksgiving weekend happens and then it's time to get ready for Christmas." I'm afraid I'm never ready until the last minute - I'm talking wrapping till the wee hours of Christmas morning. With all the commercialism, it's hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit (plus, missing loved ones that I wish were still with us - they made the holidays more special). Trying to scrounge all the money up to buy those must-have items on their wish lists (digging under the couch cushions and underneath the seats in my car for loose change). You think I'm kidding, don't you? Wish Santa could bring it all. I'm actually finished with all the main stuff. Just need to get those last minute stocking stuffers.
I do try to remind myself what Christmas is all about. We wouldn't have Christmas if it wasn't for Jesus, so I do always thank God for sending his sweet Son to us and for us. And I thank Jesus every day for his love and sacrifices. Oh, what that sweet man went through for all of us. Makes me cry to think about all he endured.
On a lighter note, let us take a moment to unwind just a little, not stress every minute of every day till the big day gets here. We need to relax before we lose it - try to minimize all the drama.
Try this exercise:
Inhale through your nostrils with a deep, long, cleannnnnnnsing breath. Hold it for a couple of seconds, or three. Ok, let it go slowly out of your mouth. Close your eyes. Say it with me now, ohmmmmm ...
Feel better? ;)
I'm going to make these next six days gleefully, deliriously happy, at least for my loved ones. I mean, fake it till ya make it, right? I want my little one to have wonderful memories, especially at Christmas. So, we are going to plan fun Christmas crafts and baking every day till The Day. Shoot, if I can get myself well (I've had a cold for a week), we might even get a group together and go caroling! I can't carry a tune in a bucket, so I'll just lip-sync - don't want all the neighborhood dogs howling. During her infancy, Hallie even let me know how tone deaf I was. I'd attempt to sing her lullabies and she'd take her leetle teeny hand and cover my mouth. Ha! Smart girl!
Got parties to go to during this next week. Trying to plan what all I'm creating for these little soirees. Perhaps those green bean casserole stuffed mushrooms might be good (my friend, Kaytie's recipe) - YUM. Of course, bringing wine. Duh! Don't you think parties and wine just go together? Mmmmm... Om, my deviled eggs is a must have for each family party, as they will never let me live it down if I forget them. I decided to skip the eggs one year and make all new dishes. Boy, did I get slammed on that one! Never to leave out the eggs again - EVA! They've still not let me forget about that one time...years ago. Decorated Christmas cookies - these will make nice little Christmas happies, wrapped up in special little Christmas boxes. Hallie loves to help make these - with her little white Suzie Homemaker apron and red Emeril's chef's hat. I will have to snap a picture and show you how cute she is in them. Or, perhaps we'll wear our boutique aprons we made in our sewing class! We'll get out the cookie cutters, icy glaze, white thin piped icing outlining each shape, ornamented with little candy sugar pearls and silver dragees. Ok, I'm ready to start making cookies now! And more ready to eat them! Just call me Cookie Monster! I love homemade Christmas cookies!! (In a crazy child-like voice...) Oh my....GOODNESS!! ;)
I think I found a leetle Christmas Spirit.
Oh, and Hallie is still learning her words for the school spelling bee that will be held in January. Word for today? bibliothecarial: of or relating to a library or bibliotheca or a librarian. (A bibliotheca is a collection of books; a library. A catalog of books.) Some of my younger readers may not have known that. Now ya do!
Hoping all of you have a sensational Saturday and a stupendous six days before Christmas. I will attempt to post again before or by Christmas day.
Happy early birthday, Jesus. It's all about you. We love ya.
From my family to you and your family, may you have a very blessed and
Merry Christmas!!
Love you guys!
I do try to remind myself what Christmas is all about. We wouldn't have Christmas if it wasn't for Jesus, so I do always thank God for sending his sweet Son to us and for us. And I thank Jesus every day for his love and sacrifices. Oh, what that sweet man went through for all of us. Makes me cry to think about all he endured.
On a lighter note, let us take a moment to unwind just a little, not stress every minute of every day till the big day gets here. We need to relax before we lose it - try to minimize all the drama.
Try this exercise:
Inhale through your nostrils with a deep, long, cleannnnnnnsing breath. Hold it for a couple of seconds, or three. Ok, let it go slowly out of your mouth. Close your eyes. Say it with me now, ohmmmmm ...
Feel better? ;)
I'm going to make these next six days gleefully, deliriously happy, at least for my loved ones. I mean, fake it till ya make it, right? I want my little one to have wonderful memories, especially at Christmas. So, we are going to plan fun Christmas crafts and baking every day till The Day. Shoot, if I can get myself well (I've had a cold for a week), we might even get a group together and go caroling! I can't carry a tune in a bucket, so I'll just lip-sync - don't want all the neighborhood dogs howling. During her infancy, Hallie even let me know how tone deaf I was. I'd attempt to sing her lullabies and she'd take her leetle teeny hand and cover my mouth. Ha! Smart girl!
Got parties to go to during this next week. Trying to plan what all I'm creating for these little soirees. Perhaps those green bean casserole stuffed mushrooms might be good (my friend, Kaytie's recipe) - YUM. Of course, bringing wine. Duh! Don't you think parties and wine just go together? Mmmmm... Om, my deviled eggs is a must have for each family party, as they will never let me live it down if I forget them. I decided to skip the eggs one year and make all new dishes. Boy, did I get slammed on that one! Never to leave out the eggs again - EVA! They've still not let me forget about that one time...years ago. Decorated Christmas cookies - these will make nice little Christmas happies, wrapped up in special little Christmas boxes. Hallie loves to help make these - with her little white Suzie Homemaker apron and red Emeril's chef's hat. I will have to snap a picture and show you how cute she is in them. Or, perhaps we'll wear our boutique aprons we made in our sewing class! We'll get out the cookie cutters, icy glaze, white thin piped icing outlining each shape, ornamented with little candy sugar pearls and silver dragees. Ok, I'm ready to start making cookies now! And more ready to eat them! Just call me Cookie Monster! I love homemade Christmas cookies!! (In a crazy child-like voice...) Oh my....GOODNESS!! ;)
I think I found a leetle Christmas Spirit.
Oh, and Hallie is still learning her words for the school spelling bee that will be held in January. Word for today? bibliothecarial: of or relating to a library or bibliotheca or a librarian. (A bibliotheca is a collection of books; a library. A catalog of books.) Some of my younger readers may not have known that. Now ya do!
Hoping all of you have a sensational Saturday and a stupendous six days before Christmas. I will attempt to post again before or by Christmas day.
Happy early birthday, Jesus. It's all about you. We love ya.
From my family to you and your family, may you have a very blessed and
Merry Christmas!!
Love you guys!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Daily Rambling
I've decided it's not that big of a deal to blog every single day, especially during the holidays. You are busy. We are busy. I will post at least once a week, and probably more once the holidays are behind us. Too much going on. Basketball practice, Spelling Bee practice, many different school projects, Beta Club projects, family parties, traveling, cooking, decorating. The list goes on and on. Y'all know how it is.
Update on last week:
Silly Lilly...
We realized a few mornings ago that Lilly, one of our many furbabes, could spell. I mentioned to Hallie how sweet so-&-so was being and would she please give so-&-so a t-r-e-a-t. Lilly went crazy, doing her little dance. She knew exactly what we were talking about. Smart leetle thing.
Compassionate hearts of children...
Hallie and I say morning prayers in the car on the way to school. She was talking to God, saying, "and thank you for sending your son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. That must've been really hard. But look at it this way: at least you have him back now." I love that baby so much, I ache. I just wanted to pull the car over and squeeze her!
Update on last week:
Silly Lilly...
We realized a few mornings ago that Lilly, one of our many furbabes, could spell. I mentioned to Hallie how sweet so-&-so was being and would she please give so-&-so a t-r-e-a-t. Lilly went crazy, doing her little dance. She knew exactly what we were talking about. Smart leetle thing.
Compassionate hearts of children...
Hallie and I say morning prayers in the car on the way to school. She was talking to God, saying, "and thank you for sending your son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. That must've been really hard. But look at it this way: at least you have him back now." I love that baby so much, I ache. I just wanted to pull the car over and squeeze her!
Smarty pants...
Hallie won her class spelling bee and now she goes on to compete in the school bee in January. We have about 40 days to learn 275 words. We will be learning 8 words per day (spelling, pronunciation, definition and use in a sentence). The last 5 days will be for reviewing those words (spelling and pronunciation only). Thought I'd post one of the words per day that she's reviewing. We could all learn some new words, right? Some of you may know these words, but kids read my blog, too, and this will be helpful for them to learn a new word a day. I have to admit: I did not know all of these words myself. I mean "concomitant"? "detritus"? "duodenum"? "eohippus?" "Guernsey?" "har-angue"? I better brush up on my dictionary. Besides, some of these words could help me with my Words With Friends and Scrabble. ;) Some of these are easy. Others, not so much. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? I'm not so sure I am.
alphanumerical al·pha·nu·mer·ic·al \' al-fa-nu-‘mer-ik-əl\
Def 1: consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (as
punctuation marks and mathematical symbols); also :
being a character in an alphanumeric system
Def 2: capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters
Ex 1: An alphanumeric pager with vibrating alert clearly displays the
information.
Ex 2: You will need to omit any spaces or characters which are not alphanumeric.
Hallie won her class spelling bee and now she goes on to compete in the school bee in January. We have about 40 days to learn 275 words. We will be learning 8 words per day (spelling, pronunciation, definition and use in a sentence). The last 5 days will be for reviewing those words (spelling and pronunciation only). Thought I'd post one of the words per day that she's reviewing. We could all learn some new words, right? Some of you may know these words, but kids read my blog, too, and this will be helpful for them to learn a new word a day. I have to admit: I did not know all of these words myself. I mean "concomitant"? "detritus"? "duodenum"? "eohippus?" "Guernsey?" "har-angue"? I better brush up on my dictionary. Besides, some of these words could help me with my Words With Friends and Scrabble. ;) Some of these are easy. Others, not so much. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? I'm not so sure I am.
alphanumerical al·pha·nu·mer·ic·al \' al-fa-nu-‘mer-ik-əl\
Def 1: consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (as
punctuation marks and mathematical symbols)
being a character in an alphanumeric system
Def 2: capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters
Ex 1: An alphanumeric pager with vibrating alert clearly displays the
information.
Ex 2: You will need to omit any spaces or characters which are not alphanumeric.
Have a great Sunday! Love y'all.
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