DECEMBER TWENTYFOURTH

Luke 2

1And 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.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And 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:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And 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.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Deilig er Jorden
The longstanding favorite hymn of both Concordia College and the Lutheran church in general is Beautiful Savior. It is set to the tune of a Norwegian Christmas hymn called Deilig er Jorden, or Beautiful is the Earth (or maybe in this family we would say Beautiful is Jordan!). I translated that several years ago (1971) and the translation was printed in the Sons of Norway newspaper.

Deilig er Jorden

Creation’s beauty dower, Image of majestic power

Inspires a hymn, the soul’s deligh;

Through earth’s fair heritage, Our soul’s sweet pilgrimage

Leads to the land of heavenly light.

Seasons of life shall come, Surely as time rolls on

Man in his father’s way hath trod.

Unending heavenly choirs Echol the heart’s desires,

Praising our glorious walk with God.

Heavenly cherubim Sing to the sons of men,

Echoing tidings of joy on high;

God’s peace to all mankind, Gods’ peace be yours and mine;

Salvation unto us draws nigh.