As I look at that title, I am not sure I like it. We don't know when Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Mary, who was engaged (and later married) to Joseph, was born exactly. The Gospel of Luke records:

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Chapter 2, verses 1-7, NASB)

However, I would be terribly remiss if I did not wish you a Merry Christmas and share with you this good news:

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11, NASB)

Yes, that small child, laid in a manger, grew up and became a gift: the unspeakable, indescribable gift that I mentioned previously. I re-read II Corinthians 9:15 in a number of translations for a Communion Meditation I gave this morning, and I'd like to share the two I found to be the most descriptive:

  • Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough! (The Message)
  • Let us give thanks to God for his gift. It is so great that no one can tell how wonderful it really is! (New International Reader's Version)

Andrew posted a link to a wonderful post entitled "As Christmas Approaches" by Richard Hall, who is a Methodist minister across the pond. I also found a number of other good posts about Christmas by Richard, but I am still wondering about Peter using the word "daft". On that note:

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel! Feliz Navidad! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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