Reminded

I could wax prosaic about the entire goings on this Christmas: shopping, singing, churchy-stuff and parties. I could even tell you about all the ways I suck at preparing for the arrival of that baby: Of how I’ve achieved membership in the Simon Peter club (denied him thrice ----without trying!); of so many little things as to sound self-involved and pedantic.
Instead, like Linus or the Grinch, I’m simply going to conclude that Christmas doesn’t come from a store-- and leave you with a quote from Luke 2: 1-11 RSV

"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city."
"And 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 lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
"And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of The Lord appeared to them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord." AMEN.