[MUSIC - "LUKE 2"]
And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be taxed.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
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.
And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock
by night.
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.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made
known abroad the saying which was told
them concerning this child.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
The shepherds heard Him as they heard heavenly hosts testifying
of Him.
As we celebrate that sacred event,
we likewise can hear Him.
In doing so, we will find peace and joy
amid the trials that surround us.
Let us show gratitude for the numerous blessings
we have been given this Christmas season, greatest
among them our knowledge of the birth of the Son of God.
We testify that He is the Light and the Life of the World.
Of this we solemnly testify in His name,
even Jesus Christ, amen.