During this time of year, it is easy to be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season. Most of us are busy planning festive get-togethers, making travel arrangements, and managing our budgets while fulfilling Christmas wishes. But it is a joyous time to spend with family and to share God’s blessings with others.
Above all, in the midst of the busyness, it is most important to remember what and whom we celebrate. In all I do, I hold fast to my faith and the foundation of it as told in the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ. This month, I would like to dedicate my column to sharing what I believe is the most important message we can read and know this time of year.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:2-15 (NIV)
I hope you and your family enjoy a Blessed and Merry Christmas! Thank you for the honor to serve as your Lieutenant Governor and please do not hesitate to contact my office if I may ever be of assistance to you.
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey may be contacted at (334) 242-7900 or www.ltgov.alabama.gov.
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