Today, we're excited to share something a little different with you. In the busyness of the

Christmas season, we can all too often lose sight of that little baby wrapped in swaddling

cloths lying in a manger. And so today, we wanted to help you slow down, quiet your heart, and

reflect on the birth of our Savior

those many years ago. Today we're pleased to present a reading of the Christmas story from

Luke chapter 2 by Dr. Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology at Union School

Theology. Enjoy. In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria, and all went to be registered, each to his own town.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth,

and she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place

for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping

watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they

were filled with great fear.

And the angel said to them, fear not.

For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people for unto you is born this day in the city of

David a saviour who is Christ the Lord and this will be a sign for you you will find a baby

wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherd said to one another,

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