THE CHRISTMAS STORY...???

What are your thoughts on the Christmas Story???

I'm not talking about all the crass consumerism, nor Frosty the Snowman, or The Little Drummer Boy.  I'm not talking about jingle bells or decorated trees, or anything like that.

I'm talking about the "real" Christmas Story.  What are your thoughts about that story???

I think that far too many people are forgetting it's existence. I enjoy watching my Pastor sit with the children as part of the Christmas Eve service each year as he tells them the story.

I think many are indeed forgetting the story Miz D.  (Matter of fact...many I don't even think know the story)

Believe it or not one of my co-workers asked isn't it implied that Santa Claus and Jesus are one and the same!

Doug, where is my christmas presents.  I am expecting them on the b/l in a few minutes...

I sent them...you didn't get'em..................................................

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 14"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
And I believe it! Thank God for His son.  For Jesus is truly the reason for this season..... Amen!

I'm one to believe the story as well DITR...

I love what Luke writes.  As I read your post...it causes me to think about "Angels".  We often have in our minds this perception of angels as being these cute little "chubby" thingys that we put on our mantels and shelves...but usually when they show up in Scripture one of the first things that usually comes out of their mouths is "Do not be afraid" or "Fear not"...or something to that effect.  (Apparently their appearance is scary or probably better "spectacular" because of the awsome appearance that they have.)

Another thing that I find amazing about what Luke records is just how "lowly" the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords came.  The angel didn't say, "And you will find him wrapped in a royal robe, in the finest hotel, with a huge entourage and staff."  But the angel said, "And you will find him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in an animals feeding trough".  I FIND THAT QUITE AMAZING!!!

Hello Big Brother!

My kids received both sides of the story....I EXPLAINED to them about Christmas, but they also know my beliefs on Christmas. They understand both sides.  So, when they woke up to hardly NO gifts ~Dedee ain't going no further in debt~ they did not even care at all! They understand and respect my take on Christmas; however, I understand and respect their father's beliefs on Christmas....so we have a very happy home today.

Hi my Little Sister!!! 

I understand more of the underlying message of what you're saying than you'll probably ever know...............