How Christmas Came To Be

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

And everyone went to their 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 guest room available for them. 

 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 good news that will cause great joy for all people.

 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, 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 heaven, and on earth peace to those 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."

 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 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 heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

~ Luke 2:1-20 New International Version ~ 

Much has changed for us this past year, beginning with a massive, major move  from Florida to Maine. From one end of the country to the other. From one extreme to the other. We are so happy, content, and blessed  to be in Maine.
We have made wonderful friends with our neighbors Mike and Katie - God blessed us with them close to day one.
And we have new family at  Grammy's Country Inn - every worker there is like family now.
Jason, Bobbie, the Frankles, Kali and Richie have all been here to visit us. And they all loved it here! We are hoping Nicole and her family will come see us soon.
We have snow on the ground and more falling from the sky. Big fluffy wonderful white flakes.  We can't even begin to tell you how much we love it here! 
From Mark and I - we wish you a Merry Christmas! May God richly bless you and your family in the New Year!
As a side note, I have my first cataract surgery on January 5th. That should make a huge improvement with my vision. Hopefully artifying will commence shortly after.  Second eye is scheduled for February 9th.  The macular degeneration stuff will be handled one day at a time and with lots of prayers. Love you all! You are the reason I post.