Photo: Suzanne and John’s Mom.
This is my favorite version of the Christmas story. There may be more-accurate translations of the original, but none that sounds as lovely to me or has as many associations with my younger years, when we memorized Bible verses in school.
“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 this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
“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 Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
“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 firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
A merry Christmas to you and yours!
Laurie, thank you! I think of you often and hope you are finding your way to the creative outlet that will begin to make you whole in a new way. It certainly is harder to be our old selves after what happened.