WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1995

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1995

I For Unto You

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 all the world went to be taxed, everyone 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, 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 first bom son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in 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 so afraid. X And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, 1 bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. * “For unto you is bom this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

“And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Z And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.” • And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them irtto heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Luke 2:1-16

Christmas Giving

Many seem to think that having tapped into taxpay er funds for operating costs, the county’s fire departments need less support.

That is not really true. Most departments have a backlog of needs, and the operating funds will cover only a fraction of them.

Of even greater importance is the need for manpower. Response times are slipping because there are not enough members to make calls, especially during the day. Here’s hoping some of our readers make New Year’s resolutions to join their local fire and rescue squads.

This is also the season for remembering the many other organizations that depend on support from the community. The schools are seeking funds for programs to expand opportunities for children and for computer software. The Child Care and Learning Center is seeking funds to establish an endowment fund to pay for scholarships in the face of decreasing grant monies.

Much of Rappahannock County runs on volunteer labor and volunteer contributions. Support the cause of your choice this Christmas.