The Common English Bible

At Christmastime many people like to go back to the Bible and read about the birth of Christ. Here's how The Common English Bible recounts Luke 2:1-20

"In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David's house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David's city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord's angel stood before them, the Lord's glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, "Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you--wonderful joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: You will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great assembly of heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, "Glory to God in heaven, and on earth, peace among those whom He favors."

When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go right now to Bethlehem and see what's happened. Let's confirm what the Lord revealed to us." They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told."

I love the language this version uses, it makes it come alive in my mind. My hope is that you share this story with those you love, and that they come to know the love of Jesus this holiday season.

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This Bible was provided for review by The B&B Media Group