Welcome to the Christmas Week edition of Keep the Heart. This reading of Luke chapter 2 is a long-held

tradition in many homes, and it is a wonderful way to place the focus on the Christ of Christmas.

Let's read these good tidings of great joy together.

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus

that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was

governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

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

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.

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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

and this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,

praising God and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem

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