A long time ago and a long way away, the sun settled into a holy night unlike any before or since. Out of darkness came the glorious light of a new star; in the meekness of a manger was born greatness that would change the world; and in the quiet of a shepherd’s field came angelic praises of peace on earth and good will toward men. It was the very first Christmas night. 
 
Today, over 2,000 years later, the sublime simplicity of that first Christmas still stirs our hearts. No tinsel or manufactured light could ever outshine that brilliant night sky. No palace or mansion could compare with the majesty of that manger. And state-of-the-art sound systems will never match the heavenly music heard in that shepherd’s field. Yet it’s possible for us to feel today some of what was felt on that holy night. 
 
Because the King of Kings humbly and willingly came into the world, the glory of His birth is still within our reach. We don’t need to travel to the Holy Land to feel the miracle of the first Christmas. We can see it when we look into the eyes of children and find faith born of purity and goodness. We can experience it when we seek more sincerely for the light of kindness and friendship, when we share tidings of peace and good will with those around us, and when we try a bit more earnestly to give gifts of the heart and of time. 
 
In other words, we remember that first Christmas by the love that was born then. Hearts were knit together in sweet expectation. Wise men knelt before a lowly baby. Shepherds were strangers no more. And Mary and Joseph welcomed a newborn King who would teach the world the most transcendent truth of all: love one another.

One of the first Christmas carol that many children learn invokes a tender scene: 
 
“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, 
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; 
The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay, 
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.” 
 
With words easy enough for a child to understand, this beloved carol reminds us that the story of Christmas is both spectacular and simple. It’s a story that continues to inspire the world yet can be understood and even retold by children. In fact, it may be that children understand it best. 
 
We who are older, more experienced and mature, may miss the essence of these special days in our rush to go, to purchase, to consume, to hurry. Listen to children, who even amid the excitement of the season somehow know that Christmas has to be about more than gifts and decorations. Watch the sparkle in their eyes as they reenact the Nativity, sing the songs, and share the stories of this sacred season. 
 
Many years ago, at this same time of year, excited children went to a hospital to visit some of the patients there, many of whom sat or lay on their beds alone, waiting for a visitor. The children’s performance of the Nativity was far from perfect, cues were missed, lyrics and lines forgotten, and some of the costumes didn’t fit very well. But from the story they told, the scriptures they recited, the songs they sang came a special feeling that touched their hearts as much as it touched the hearts of their audience. For a moment, young and old were united in a simple story that filled the hospital with joy and love and rejoicing. 
 
Today, at this sacred season, take time away from the hustle and bustle to really ponder and feel the simple story of Christmas.
 

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. 
 
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is Bethlehem…
 
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 
 
And so it was, that, 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.
 
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 
 
And, lo, 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 people. 
 
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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. [Luke 2:1-14].

By Samuel Enos Eghan