Editor’s note: “The Spoken Word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. This will be given Dec. 18, 2022. Sir David Suchet, one of the featured guest artists for this year’s Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square’s Christmas concert, will read the message from Luke 2 during Sunday’s broadcast.
You know, many years ago, I was filming in Seattle.
One evening after shooting, I turned to the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.
And while reading from chapter 8 in his letter to the Romans, I found the most beautiful expression of the life I had hoped to live — I read about a life of caring, generosity, and being there for other people.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege to be allowed to read biblical scripture in many live presentations and I’ve actually been permitted to record the Bible in its entirety.
Whether or not we imagine ourselves rocking Little Jesus in the manger as described in the carol, I hope that this reading, this Christmas, will inspire us to regard one another as lovingly and tenderly as a newborn child — for we are all God’s children.
“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 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; …
“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.
“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 Saviour, 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.
“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, good will toward men.”
Tuning in …
The “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL Radio 1160AM/102.7FM, KSL.com, BYUtv, BYUradio, Dish and DirectTV, SiriusXM Radio (Ch. 143), the tabernaclechoir.org, youtube.com/TheTabernacleChoir and Amazon Alexa (must enable skill). The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on many of these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at musicandthespokenword.com/viewers-listeners/airing-schedules.
