The classics NEVER grow old

"These are the facts concerning the birth of Jesus Christ: His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he did not want to publicly disgrace her.

"As he lay awake, he fell into a dream and saw an angel standing beside him. 'Joseph, son of David' the angel said 'do not hesitate to take Mary as your wife, for the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son and he shall be named Jesus, meaning Saviour, for he will save the people from their sins. This will fulfill God's messaage through the prophets:

Listen! The Virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a son and he shall be called Emmanuel, meaning 'God is with us'!

"When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded and brought Mary hoime to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her son was born, and Joseph named him Jesus"

(Matthew 2:18-25)

"That night some shepherds were in the fields outside of Bethlehem, tending their flocks. Suddenly an angel appeared among them and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord and they were very afraid. But the angel said:

'Do not be afraid! I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Saviour - yes, Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in blankets, lying in a manger.'

"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of Heaven - praising God and singing:

>'Glory to God in the highest! And on earth peace and goodwill to all men!'

"When the angels had left, the shepherds said to each other 'Come on! Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about!

"They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the had told them about Jesus. All who heard the shepherds' story exclaimed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often."

(Luke 2: 8 - 19)

"For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

(John 3:16)

From my family to yours, a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. NEVER forget what this season is all about.

Brian, Christine, Aidan and Aaron.