Memory Monday: ALL of the Christmas story...finally!

Okay, here we go. I think I know the WHOLE thing. Though the punctuation is a little tricky since I don't say "comma" when I'm reciting it out loud to remind myself where they go!

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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 the a baby wrapped in cloths and laying 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 back 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." 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning all that what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. the angel had told them. 

Phew. Not perfect, but pretty close.

Next week? I'm going for something short (in fact, it's really half a verse!), something that stood out to me from my quiet time last week:

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. (2 Corinthians 5:16)

Seems to me there's a good lesson in that. One I need to learn as I look at my family, at others around me. Especially those who are believers. Too often I focus on what I see, rather than the fact that they are new creatures in Christ. 

Toben and I had a conversation with our friend John Lynch about this one weekend in Seattle. About how our parenting might change is we nurtured the new creation in Audrey and Emma. It's an intriguing idea. And I think he should totally write a book about it. Hint, hint, John!

Did you do yours? Leave a comment! Want to join? Click on the button (--->) to get the scoop.

Comments

[Wife of Rob]

WOW Joanne! FABULOUS JOB!!!! I have LOTS of work to do!!

[Aubrey]

I am starting this week. We'll see how it goes! :)

[Susan]

Great job Mrs. Heim!

I threw in the towel for a few weeks but I am back on board. I might do every other Monday...with the Siestas...but right now, I'm hoping to stick with one a week. Let's see...Memory Monday, 5 Conversations to have with your daughter (beginning January 1 with Vicki Courtney), I'm currently on Day 77 of Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only and will finish that up with bff, Jill and then we are SUPPOSED to begin the 90 days with David, and oh, did I mention I'm leading Esther beginning January 12. Hmmm...all of this and starting Weight Watchers and a regular exercise program,too! What AM I thinking? lol. I'm up for it. Although I'm thinking (and will discuss with JillEllen) that we might want to put off David until after Esther. She's doing Esther with a group in Montana, too.

Okay, so this week I am led to memorize Psalm 56:3,4:

3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

I found real cute index cards on the spiral thingy and the cards are colors...seriously, it helps when the props are cute. :)

hugs and blessings...

[Lori]

Impressive!!!

[Melissa @ Breath of Life]

Great job! Mine is up, too.

[Barbara]

I have chosen Ephesians 2: 8-10 to memorize. Have a great week!

[Kate]

Just posted mine.

[Fuzzytop]

Wow!!! I've been watching your Memory Monday posts since you started, and I have FINALLY got my nerve up to try, so I posted my first verse today. Yeah!!!

Have a great week....

Adrienne

[Tammy S.]

You did great on that verse! I've got mine up for this week.

I hope all goes well next week when you start seminary. Sounds like an exciting time for you!

[Lora]

Wow! Thanks for stopping by Joanne. My post is up.