A happy Christmas to all

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Luke 2:1-14

  1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
  2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
  3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
  4. 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:)
  5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
  6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  7. 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.
  8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  9. 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.
  10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
  11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
  12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
  13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
  14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Yes, I’m fully aware that not all of the readers at IMAO are Christians. Not all of the authors at IMAO are Christians. But still, I just wanted to remind everyone — Christians and non-Christians alike — why Christians do celebrate this day. We all need to be reminded.

This month, I’ve spent a lot more time looking at pages on Amazon.com than I have pages in the Scriptures. So, yes, I need to be reminded, too. Like I said, we all need to be reminded.

I have no idea if Frank will be up and writing today. I don’t even know if he’ll be up and reading today. But, I strongly suspect he’ll be up playing husband and father today. So I’ll go first and wish Frank J., SarahK, and Princess Buttercup … as well as the authors, readers, and commenters … a very happy Christmas.

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33 Comments

  6. Merry Christmas, everyone! Especially SarahK, FrankJ and Buttercup. And thanks all, for your humor. It is a blessing. And since I know that ‘He’ reads IMAO as well, I’d like to say, ‘Happy Birthday!’

    Reply to this comment

  7. Merry Christmas, everyone!

    My parents gave me The Reagan Diaries and Marine!: The life of Chesty Puller. Yay! And now we eat a apple brined hickory smoked turkey.

    What did you get for Christmas?

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  13. I know that the motto “Jesus is the reason for the season” is trite, but it’s also true.

    Happy Christmas to believers and unbelievers alike. I don’t insist you believe. I expect you to allow me to believe according to the dictates of my own conscience. We can agree to disagree, that’s how civilized adults function.

    Thank you Basil for this most timely reminder.

    Reply to this comment

  17. Merry Christmas y’all. I wish you a day where you look around and remember just how blessed you are in your life. Hug those you love. Call those you miss. I hope you had a wonderful and peaceful day with friends and family.

    Reply to this comment

  19. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

    Oh what a glorious two days it has been! Spending most of it actually in church singing and with friends but I tell you, we are so fortunate, so fortunate.

    I have nothing but gratitude and send love and kisses and hugs to all of you!

    Merry Christmas to All !

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  20. Nice, but there was no stable, and no motel 6. Sorry folks, but the real story is that they arrived in Bethlehem, and stayed with family(like anyone would do) The manger was a small feeding trough kept in the house to feed the passover lamb. The “inn” is better translated guest-chamber. v6, see it for yourself, they were there for some period of time,before the baby came, and in fact, stayed there for at least a year afterward.

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  21. @bigDon Next I suppose your going to tell me Santa doesn’t exist either. You sound just like an atheist I know. The key words are tolerance of other peoples believes (?) If you can’t develop it go play with the kos kids. Merry Christmas to you any way. And have a pelousy free new year.

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  22. bigDon :
    The word used for “inn” is the Greek “katavluma” which can be translated as “inn,” “lodging place,” “eating or dining room,” or “guest chamber” (as you said). However, which specific word or phrase would depend on its context.

    The word “room” (as in “no room for them”) is “tovpoß” (or “topos”) could mean “a place (passage) in a book,” or “city, village, district” or “portion or space marked off from surrounding space.”

    “Room at the inn,” or a designated area in a lodging place, works when katavluma and tovpoß are used in this context.

    Vv 21-39 indicate that they were there for the circumcision (8 days) and Mikveh (about a month) before traveling to Jerusalem and the temple (5 mi) for the presentation of the child. V 39 indicates they returned to Nazareth afterwards. There’s no scriptural basis for a year. Month and a half maybe, but not 12 months.

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  23. Terry-Jim’s link to the funny Christmas video led me (somehow) to a bunch of tributes to our fallen heroes videos that made me cry and finally (somehow) to a Lord of the Rings parody video that made me convulse with laughter. Here’s my Christmas present to IMAO –
    **Caution!** video contains one rude word, but taken in context, I think it’s forgivable.

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  26. I especially enjoyed the telling of the Christmas story by some knot headed Democrat a couple of years ago who said that Mary and Joseph were Homeless People! Actually they had to travel to Bethleham to pay their taxes and there wasn’t a motel room! I would have thought that the story might have given the Democrats an idea that we all have to travel to our homes of birth to pay our taxes every year… Just to make it a bigger pain!

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  27. I found an even funnier LOTR parody today, involving giant catapults and bears with laser beam eyes (very IMAO) but the language was inappropriate for this fine site, so no link. Sorry, I don’t want to push the envelope too much. Merry Christmas!

    Reply to this comment

  30. I think Frank has been a busy Father now that Buttercup has her brand new .38 snub nose which fits quite nicely into her diaper. She has probably been doing some target practice around the house…

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  32. Merry Christmas to all of you, from Frank and Basil to all of the posters that make me laugh every day. Although Basil, I’m pretty sure that Linus from the Peanuts actually made that up and it was actually added to the Bible later by that Luke guy.

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  33. When I first saw the 14 points, I took it for satire and just blew past it. Today, with more time for frivolity, I took a few minutes to be reminded why I was so busy over the weekend. This is the Christmas Season, and I am greatful that I have good Family and Friends to celebrate with. I am espically greatful that I was born in a country where we can write, read and If we feel the need, Shout about it aloud!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

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