Greater than all the Christmas presents ever presented is the gift of peace. Read and reflect on Luke's narrative below about a simple, long ago event that continues to spread its influence, even today, as its mighty presence has the power to outshine even the most trying of the day-to-day challenges we all face. Even if only for a brief respite, may you find that peace now.

In those days a decree went out from Caeser Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment when Quirnius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazarath to Judea to the city of David because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her first child, and she gave birth to her first born son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them "do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. and this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on
whom his favor rests."