One of the things I’ll miss the most this Christmas is not being able to go to First Baptist Church in Hartselle on Christmas Eve and participate in a traditional Lord’s Supper with lighted candles. 

I’ve also missed being in Church on back-to-back Sundays and will miss being there next Sunday because all in-person activities were cancelled during the last half of December. The emergence of two new vaccines will hopefully put an end to the Coronavirus pandemic and restore normalcy early in 2021. 

However, the reason to celebrate Christmas far overshadows COVID-19, according to the writings of the Bible. The gospel writer Luke tells the story as follows: 

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 

that all the world should be registered. 

“So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. 

“To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

“So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 

“And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 

“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 

“Then the angel said to them, do not be afraid for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

“And this will be a sign to you. 

“You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manager. 

“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, goodwill toward men!” 

Best wishes to you and our family for a blessed Christmas.