Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-21
The First Christmas.
Luke II, lao.

And it came to pass in those days
that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus that, all the world
should be taxed, and all went to be
taxed, every one into his own city.
Joseph went out of Nazareth, into
Judea, Bethlehem to be taxed, with
Mary his espoused wife, who was
great with child. While they were
there the days were accomplished that
she should be delivered, and she
brought forth her first born son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger, because
there was no room for them in the
inn.
There were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keep
ing watch over their flock by night,
and 10, 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 the people. For
unto you is born this day, in the city
Of David, a Savior, 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!"
And it came to pass as the angels
were gone away from them into heav-
en-, the shepherds said one to anoth-
er: LET us now go even into Beth
lehem. and see this thing which is
come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto US"
And they came with haste, and
found Mary and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger, and when they had
seen it, they made known abroad the
saying which was told them concern
ing the child. All they that heard 1t
wondered at those things which were
told them by the shepherds, but Mary
kept all these things and pondered
them in her heart, and the shepherds
returned glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard
and seen, as it was told unto them.
When eight days were accomplish
ed the child's name was called Jesus,
and when the days Of publication
were accomplished, they brought him
to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord and to offer a sacrifice accord
ing to which is said in the law of the
Lord-a pair of turtle doves, or two
young pigeons. -.
And behold, there was a man IN
Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon,
and the same man was just and de-
vout waiting for the consolation OF
Israel. It was revealed unto him by
the Holy Ghost that he should not
see death before he had seen the
Lords Christ. And he came by the
spirit into the temple, and when the
parents brought in the child Jesus,
to do for him after the custom Of the
law, then took he him up In his arms
and blessed God, and said: Lord,
now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, according to thy word. For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation
which thou hast prepared before the
face Of all people, a light to tighten
the gentiles and the glory Of thy peo-
pie Israel"
Joseph and his mother marveled at
those things which were spoken OF
him, and Simon blessed them and
said unto Mary, his mother, Behold
this child is set for the fail and rising
again Of many in Israel, and for a
sign which shall be spoken against!
Yea, a sword of fire shall pierce thine
own soul also, that the thoughts Of
many hearts may be revealed"
And there was one Anna, proph-
etess, the daughter of Rhanuel Of the
tribe of Aser, she was Of great age,
widow of about four score and four
years, which departed not from the
temple, but served God with fastings
and prayers night and day. And she
coming in that instant gave thanks
likewise unto the Lord and spake Of
him to all that looked for redemption
in Jerusalem.
And when Joseph and Mary had
performed all things according to the
law of the Lord, they returned into
Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth,
and the child grew and waxed strong
in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the
grace Of God was upon him.