Christmas Day, Year A
Our reading tells us of the great love that God has for us. Jesus is God’s great gift to the world. He is called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the One Who Lives Forever, the Prince of Peace. He will be a great leader, ruling with justice and peace forever. Today, we celebrate His birthday.
In our Gospel, Caesar Augustus passed a law that everyone in the world should be enrolled in the towns where they were born. Mary and Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem because that is where Joseph was from. When they were in Bethlehem, it was time for Mary to have her baby. There wasn’t any room for them in the inn so they had Jesus in a manger. Angels appeared to shepherds who were looking after their flock of sheep. They told them of a Saviour born for them. They then asked them to look for the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The angels began to praise God with their singing. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They told others about what the angel told them. The shepherds then returned to their fields and thanked and praised God.