About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
 
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
 
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him."
 
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.    Luke 2:1-18 (The Message)

OK, it's Dec 28. Some people have taken their Christmas trees out to the curb already! Some people have already returned gifts that just weren't right! Some people are back to routines as usual. But not us - we are just getting started with our Christmas celebrations. We still have a number of days to go before we get to the end of our 12 days of the Christmas celebration.

So go ahead, re-read the story. Bask in the simplicity of the message that changed the world and continues to change us. Jesus Christ born for us and for the whole world. One day can't contain the excitement we feel - one week can't do it either! We need the whole season to gaze at the face of Jesus, to share the wonder with family, friends and strangers we meet. We need the whole season to sing all the songs that hail our savior's birth. We need the whole season to re-connect with those we love and those who need love. We need the whole season to be reminded of the wonderful gift of a gracious God who comes to us in surprising ways and in surprising places.

So today, hear again the story of the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
  (O little town of Bethlehem)

Contributed by Tracie
Sunday December 28, 2008
Liturgical Year B Week 5
Sunday Gospel reading:
First Sunday after Chistmas