"For to us, a child is born ..."

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:8-14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas, from all of us to all of you. Here is a clip from The Nativity Story in celebration of Christ’s birth:

Note: I took the front-page picture in Rome earlier this year.  This is a portion of a tapestry on display in the Vatican’s museum, a medieval (I believe) rendering of the Nativity.  For obvious reasons, I could not use a flash, but the beauty of the tapestry still can easily be seen.

Here’s a larger view of the picture: