Meaning Of Christmas: Jesus Born In Bethlehem

Christmas has been so commercialised that many people associate it with Santa Claus, Jingle Bells, reindeer and snow. I'm hoping that with this short reading below, more people will understand the true meaning of Christmas. This process is a long and harduous task but I shall try.

My own Holy Bible has always been the King James version. The words in this version flow with poetic flavour. Give it a chance.

A Reading
King James Bible: Matthew 2: 1-14.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen  his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

                                      Silent Night: Connie Francis

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt..."

A Peaceful Merry Christmas and New Year 2017 to all.

About the songs below, which are not the usual Christmas jingles we find, are filled with meaningful lyrics that tell about Christmas without the added frills.

When A Child Is Born - Sarah Brightman.

The original melody was  a tune from 1974 by Ciro Dammicco and based on  Le rose blu published in 1972. English  lyrics were written by Fred Jay (wrote hits for Boney M i.e. Rasputin and Ma Baker). 

No mention of Christmas but the theme of a looking forward to the birth of a particular child, suggests a reference to Jesus Christ's birth and a tiny star that lights up way up high may is the Star of Bethlehem. 

Sung by many artists, most successfully by Johnny Mathis in 1976. Also: Matt Monroe, Judy Collins, Boney M, Bing Crosby, Kamahl, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Moody Blues, Willie Nelson El Divo.

Silent Night, Holy Night - Connie Francis.

The song was first performed in 1818 at St Nicholas parish church in a village in present-day Austria. A young priest, Father Joseph Mohr had already written the lyrics of the song "Stille Nacht" in 1816.  The melody was composed by France Xavier Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in another nearby village.

In 1859, priest John Freeman Young, then serving at Trinity Church, New York City, published the English translation that is most frequently sung today. Both lyrics and melody are in the public domain.  The carol has been translated into about 140 languages and the most popular version is by Bing Crosby.

You Tube: Silent Night - Connie Francis: Video by Bine P.

Images: Google.

Songs Information Edited: Wiki.