ADVENT CALENDAR FOR TODAY, 23 DECEMBER 2007

While shepherds watched

Their flocks by night

All seated on the ground

The angel of the Lord came down

And glory shone around

And glory shone around

"Fear not," he said,

For mighty dread

Had seized their troubled minds

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind,

To you and all mankind."

"To you in David's

Town this day

Is born of David's line

The Savior who is Christ the Lord

And this shall be the sign

And this shall be the sign."

"The heavenly Babe

You there shall find

To human view displayed

And meanly wrappedIn swathing bands

And in a manger laid

And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph,

And forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God, who thus

Addressed their joyful song

Addressed their joyful song

"All glory be to

God on high

And to the earth be peace;

Goodwill henceforth

From heaven to men

Begin and never cease

Begin and never cease!"

*****

And it came to pass in those day there went out a decree from Ceasar 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: (because he was of the house and lineage of David).

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 manager; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by 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.

*****

Hang Up The Baby's Stocking

Hang up the baby's stocking

Be sure you don't forget!

The dear little dimpled darling,

She never saw Christmas yet!

But I've told her all about it,

And she opened her big blue eyes;

And I'm sure she understood it-

She looked so funny and wise.

Dear, what a tiny stocking!

It doesn't take much to hold

Such little pink toe's as baby's

Away from the frost and the cold

But then, for the baby's Christmas,

It will never do at all.Why!

Santa wouldn't be looking

For anything half so small.

I know what I will do for the baby.

I've thought of the very best plan.

I'll borrow a stocking of Grandma's,

The longest that ever I can

And you'll hang it by mine, dear mother,

Right here in the corner so!

And leave a letter to Santa,

And fasten it in the toe.