(Is.9:1-6; Ps.96:1-3,11-13; Ti.2:11-14; Lk.2:1-14) "Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord." Here is the "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger"; here is He who saves all from sin, born into our humble humanity. Yes, "a child is born to us, a son is given us," and "upon His shoulder dominion rests." This little one wrapped in our own flesh is indeed named "Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful," for He rules all the earth with His loving justice. And so what should we do but "announce His salvation, day after day"? What can we who are overwhelmed with the joy of His presence in our midst do but "tell His glory among the nations; among all peoples, His wondrous deeds." For He has come for all nations and all people, to live in their hearts this day. "Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice"; and let all mankind join the angels in their song of praise: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." The Lord has come "to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people as His own," to bring His surpassing peace to all souls set on His goodness and His glory. So, let us be "eager to do what is good," that we might be as He is, that we might share in His eternal peace. To Bethlehem the Virgin came at the time of the census. There "the time came for her to have her child," He who is our Bread of Life. For He is enrolled among our number now; God has been made man – and nothing could give life to waiting souls like this miracle of new birth in our midst. And so, let us know the humble shepherd's awe; let us hear the word the angel brings, for he "proclaim[s] to [us] good news of great joy that will be for all people." Jesus our Savior is with us today. Written & chanted by James Kurt; read by Sylvia Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, your glory is revealed to us this day, and so let us offer you due praise. YHWH, your Son is born in our midst and so reveals your glory to us. His light now shines in this dark world, and so men are saved from their sins. O let us worship Him who is the very imprint of your Being! who is one with you. You are with us this day in your Son, and what should we do but rejoice. Glory to you, LORD and GOD, for now the feet of Jesus walk among us and peace is proclaimed to the ends of the earth; salvation is ours by the grace and truth He brings to this land. Let all eyes behold the salvation He has wrought in our midst. Let all souls break out in song in praise of His glory. It is our joy to worship you, O LORD, and the only Son whom you have sent. For you are our life; in you we are born – by you all Creation comes to be. And now you are with us in the flesh of your Son; now your dwelling is among us. To us this day please bring your peace.