Hugh's News & Commentary

There is no story in all the world like the story of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, the King of kings, and the Lord of Lords, and the Savior of the world.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, the City of David, as was prophesied in Holy Scriptures. I want to share with you in this edition of Hugh's News the time honored and treasured story of our Lord's birth as told by Dr. Luke in the Gospel by his name.

 Luke 2:1-20 (New King James Version)

Christ Born of Mary

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

[Editor's Comment: This Scripture is so sacred that I hesitate to make any comment. However, I wanted to let you, my readers, know that Melvine and I have had the privilege to visit the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem when we went to the Holy Land a few years ago. It was awe-inspiring and I was speechless when I realized that we, too, had been able to visit the place where Jesus was born. The village is under the authority of the Palestinians today. They were very courteous and gracious to us. We felt safe as we visited, and later visited the shops there. If you ever have the opportunity to go, may we encourage you to make the trip. We are glad we did, and are thankful to God for providing the money for this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Holy Land.]