This paid message is from Father Bill Miller.

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Hey listener, happy Christmas Eve. This is Russell Moore. Today's episode is a little bit

different, and so think of it as kind of a brief benediction before we all

spend some time with our families and friends. What you'll hear today is a meditative reading

of Luke 2. And I don't know about you. Luke 2 resonates with me in a really powerful way. And I don't

know if it's because of the rhythm of reciting and hearing it every year at the same time of year,

or if it's just the power of what's being said.

Today there is born to you a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

That's world changing and life changing. There's music and voices from across the Christianity

today, family, and beyond. So as you listen to this, remember what we always say here.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot,

the darkness has not, and the darkness will not overcome it. And that word became flesh,

and we beheld his glory. Glory is of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Oh, blackhead boy, your eyes so dark as midnight lit by shining stars,

and bright as love that filled my heart when first I looked at you.

A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, beginning at the first verse.

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

...