Good Morning!

A warm and heartfelt 'Merry Christmas' to all! May your holidays be filled with meaning, peace, and love.

The Christmas Story

'And there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

'And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

'And while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered, and she brought forth her first-born Son, 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 fields, keeping watch over their flocks 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, "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, who is Christ the Lord.

'And this shall be a sign unto you...you 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, goodwill toward men."

'And when the Angel was gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to 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 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 they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.'
(from the Gospel of Luke 2: 1-20)

CHRIST IS BORN (Words and Music by Father Domenico Bartolucci and Ray Charles)
Recorded by Perry Como

It is "He", Christ who is born today
See Him crying in the manger
King of Heaven
Son of God
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

There He lies
there with the lam’kin
Only swaddle for his garment
With his Holy Mother Mary
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Glory, Glory, Almighty God!
And on Earth,
Peace to All Men
Hear the joyful angels singing
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

He is born,
let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
King of Kings
Prince of Peace
for All the Universe
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!