The Brookshire Times from Brookshire, Texas • Page 17

The Christmas Story At tli is time, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should be taken. This first census took place while Cyrinus was governor of Syria. And all were going, each to his own town, to register. And Joseph also went from Galilee out of the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David, which is called he was of the house and family of register, together with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass while they were there, that 'the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled.

And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds in the same district living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of God shone round about them and they feared exceedingly. And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people; for today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, Who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you: you will find an Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and 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 among men of good will." Luke 2, 1-14 At that time, the shepherds were saying to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger.

And when they had seen, they understood what had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard marvelled at the tilings told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept in mind all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shephards returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken to them. Luke 2, 15-20 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi came 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 have come to worship Him." But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and so was all Jerusalem, with him.

And gathering together all the chief priests and Scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet, 'And you, Bethlehem, of the land of Juda, are by no means least among the princes of Juda; for from you shall come forth a leader who Shall rule My people Israel." Then Herod summoned the Magi secretly, and carefully ascertained from them the time when the star had appeared to them. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said, "Go and make careful inquiry concerning the Child, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may go and worship Him." Now they, having heard the king, went their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it See Christmas Story, page 2 The miracle of Christmas, holy source of hope and joy, once more spreads its wonders, its radiant promise across the and the Star shines, as on that hallowed night, with eternal light. The blessings that rise from the sacred manger are manifold and everlasting.

Our wish is that you and yours may he blest with the divine comfort and inspiration of Christmas, now and always. Mary Ann Ernstes, Mrs. Dora Mae Egger, Mrs. Frances Wilson, Clara Ernstes, Mrs. Iris Broussard, Mrs.

Jessie Peek, Albert Ernstes, Joe Zubik L-.