According to St. Luke
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Depending on your beliefs, this is fact, legend, or just a great story. However it has survived over 2000 years and has had an affect on many millions of people.
Wags like me might take a more jaundiced view, and that is that even then taxes affected lives. It appears that Joseph and Co. ended up in Bethlehem because some government a thousand miles away wanted their share.
However the power of this story, a baby, a manger, angels and shepherds, a young mother and father, it cannot help but bring some peace, joy, and goodwill.
All of us here at Parking Today wish all of you, Christian and Jew, Muslim or Buddhist, agnostic or atheist, the very best of this holiday season and hope and pray you find the love and peace mentioned by Luke, oh those thousands of years ago.
JVH, Eric, Marcy, Joyce, Kelley, Astrid, Sue, Romina, Robyn, Shelly, Francine
