December 24th

The Nativity; Martin Shongauer, c.1480

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, 


Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, 


Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the "Lord of hosts will do this." 

Isaiah 9: 6-7