Christmas History and Fun - A Visit from St. Nicholas

Next to the Nativity story, what could be a better way to start this new blog, Christmas History and Fun, than with this much loved children's book:

Images courtesy: The Project Gutenberg eBook

This edition of this beloved Children's classic was published in New York by James G. Gregory in 1862. Clement Clark Moore first published the poem in 1823.

Children Hanging their Stockings (with care!)

F.O.C Darley - Felix Octavius Carr Darley- was the American painter and illustrator behind these gorgeous images that we still enjoy today.

F.O.C. Darley (1821-1888)

Images courtesy: Wikipedia

Other than Clement C. Moore, Mr. Darley illustrated the works of many other 19th c. authors including Charles Dickens and Washington Irving.

He died in Claymont, Delaware and his Victorian home - known as the Darley House - is now registered with the National Register of Historic Places.

Darley House

Isn't this house fantastic! I'm sure this beautiful location, in the gorgeous state of Delaware, had something to do with Mr. Darley's illustrations always turning out so perfectly. 

Santa's Sleigh and...could it be...Darley House?!

Why yes, I do believe it just might be!

Please go to the link provided above, The Project Gutenberg, to see the remainder of the beautiful illustrations by this very talented man of the 19th century. 

The Singular Most Awesome Happening in the World

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST 

 GOD INCARNATE 

(Luke 2:1-20)

THE NATIVITY.

Gustave Dore

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.

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.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into 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. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.