2... (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'nius was governor of Syria.)

3... And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4... And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5... To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6... And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7... And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8... And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9... 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.

10... And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11... For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12... And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14... Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

    Here, indeed, was the greatest gift ever given to mankind. God gave us the means to enter into his kingdom and to promote peace and good will toward men. Today we commemorate this heavenly gift by putting up an evergreeen to symbolize everlasting life. And we decorate it with white and red to symbolize the purity and the blood of Jesus. We use gold and silver and angels to remind ourselves of the heavenly city. But do we celebrate this most precious gift as those angels did?.... Do we celebrate it by praising God? After all, the gift came from him.

    It is well to put up these mementos to let the world know that we believe and are grateful for the Messiah, but is is better to praise the Lord and promote the love and brotherhood that he meant for us to show. This gift wasn't given for just one season, but for all seasons. That we might give, not only at Christmas, but whenever someone has need at any time of the year. We need to retain and radiate the love God imparted to us by his gift of Jesus. Let the Christmas season be from the first day of the year to the last day of the year. If we are Christians, let us be Christians indeed... it's the only way that we shall have peace on earth, good will toward men.