Good Tidings of Great Joy...
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."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
God bless you, today! I've always felt Jewish about the Christmas holidays (and being that I have Jewish heritage that's not far from true), because I start my Christmas celebration the night before. This Christmas has been so wonderful! God has shown me so many things I have totally missed before... like the ridiculousness of being worried about the things we consider important about today, the spiritual excercise involved with the tradition of giving gifts and the deep meanings behind the words of the Christmas carols. Merry Christmas everyone, and for fellow Jews (although my family does not celebrate it despite my urging to do so) Happy Chaunakka!