A CHRISTMAS READING

"When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, & if a son, then an heir through God." Gal. 4:4-7

GOOD NEWS

"In the face of the bad news of our world and in our lives, the good news of God should resound in our hearts and minds as we enter the Christmas season: God is with us, God is pleased with us, and God loves us! Jesus inaugurates the reign of good news, his shalom, even in the face of bad news. We can embrace the good news of God's reign even in the midst of crisis. And we can live the good news as we continue to hope in the God who has dwelt among us. "In the world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Glory to God in the highest!" Margaret Manning Shull, Slice of Infinity

THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS

"Christmas has a power over those who observe it, and those who do not, that is unlike any other holiday or event. The other 364 days of the year we can be caught up in affairs of world-shaking significance, but on Christmas it is as if all systems shut down and we are given a chance to focus on something of greater significance than the headlines or the vacuous babble of television. Perhaps for some this Christmas, the touch will take."  Cal Thomas, Townhall, 12/24

A CHRISTMAS HYMN *

* A Great & Mighty Wonder, Sts. 1, 2, 4

"A great & mighty wonder, A full & holy cure:  The virgin bears the infant With virgin honor pure! Repeat the hymn again:  'To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!'

"The Word becomes incarnate And yet remains on high, And cherubim sing anthems To shepherds from the sky. Repeat the hymn again:  'To God on high be glory, And peace on earth to men!'

"Since all He comes to ransom, By all be He adored, The infant born in Bethl'em, The Savior & the Lord. Repeat the hymn again:  'To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!'"