In today’s society, the true meaning of Christmas can sometimes get lost amidst the super sales, wish lists, over-the-top decorations and shameless commercialism that has taken over the season.

Nothing is really wrong with those things but we hope, on this special day, everyone can pause to reflect on the original Christmas story, a timeless one that paved the way for all others.

This story goes beyond religious beliefs or denominations. The birth of Jesus is at the core of our faith as Christians, regardless of how we practice or express those beliefs.

As we did last year for what was possibly the first time and as we will do each year moving forward, The Winchester Sun will share this story as recorded in the Gospel of St. Luke. This tells the important beginning to the Christmas holiday:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: For behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.’

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”