Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The True Meaning Of The Season

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David). To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
– Luke 2:4-14 KJV

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a Joyeux Noel, a Feliz Navidad, a Fröhliche Weihnachten...well, whatever language you choose, enjoy the spirit of the season.


And to my Jewish friends, as we light the eighth and final candles on our menorahs tonight and our celebration comes to an end, let us pray for peace on Earth and good will toward men too -

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time


And we can't forget about Santa! If you have little ones, you can follow Santa as he travels the world courtesy of NORAD's Santa Tracker! But make sure they are asleep before he reaches your home town because it is a fact that Santa won't come until he knows that you're asleep!

UPDATE -
Oh, I forgot, for the rest of us (or at least Tryanmax), there's Festivus

And now a word from Charles Dickens - God [substitute deity of your choice] Bless Us One And All!
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12 comments:

  1. AndrewPriceDecember 23, 2014 at 1:18 AM

    Thanks Bev! Great post. I love this time of year and I am always happy for reminders of why we celebrate, no matter what our reasoning.

    BTW, the Santa tracker is really cool! :D

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  2. Tennessee JedDecember 23, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    Merry Christmas, Happy Hannekah, Happy New Year Bev and Andrew. And I don't forget (although I sorely miss) Lawhawk! I have always enjoyed our discussions and cyber relationship as a place to find some rationale on-line discussion of things both sacred and profane

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  3. tryanmaxDecember 23, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    And a Happy Festivus for the rest of us!

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  4. BevfromNYCDecember 23, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    Whoever fixed the formatting, I am forever in you debt...;-)

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  5. USS Ben USN (Ret)December 23, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    Thanks Bev!
    Merry Christmas and Happy Hannekah to all you guys n' gals!

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  6. TJDecember 23, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Very nice post, Bev. Whenever I read those verses in Luke I can't help but think of a Charlie Brown Christmas. I watched it every year when I was growing up and continue to watch it now with my own kids.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Hannekah to everyone in Commentaramaland!!

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  7. CritchDecember 23, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    In keeping faith with my eclectic past; I'm taking my Methodist brother, some Buddhist friends from Thailand and an elderly couple we have more or less adopted to Christmas Mass and then to our house for pizza, and then on Christmas Day they are all invited back for the afternoon. Spread the joy.

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  8. BevfromNYCDecember 23, 2014 at 11:21 AM

    TJ - I love the Charlie Brown Christmas version! And at the time it first aired, no one seemed to be upset about its overtly religious theme. But it is wonderful how it has endured as a fan favorite to be passed on to the next generation.

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  9. BevfromNYCDecember 23, 2014 at 11:21 AM

    Same to you Ben! Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!

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  10. BevfromNYCDecember 23, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    Critch - How wonderful that you are really in the true spirit of Christmas - Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men!

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  11. BevfromNYCDecember 23, 2014 at 11:28 AM

    TennJed - Thank you. And that is why I value this place too. It is a place to have a rationale, respectful (mostly) discussion with lots of seriousness and laughs. And the cyber-friends from all over the country is so cool! We have eyes everywhere. bwaaaa-haaaaa!
    And yes, how I miss LawHawk.

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  12. AndrewPriceDecember 24, 2014 at 12:27 PM

    Bev, You're welcome on the formatting. Thanks for the great reminder of what the season is really about!

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