Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. — Lucinda Franks, writer

Christmas music trivia: Here are factoids about two songs often sung on Christmas Eve. "O Holy Night": This well-known traditional carol of the season was composed in 1847 and happens to be the second piece of music ever broadcast on the radio in 1906. "Silent Night": In 2011, UNESCO declared this song an intangible cultural heritage of Austria, homeland of its composer Franz Gruber (most likely the inspiration for the name Hanz Gruber, the villain in the classic Christmas film, Die Hard).

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Today, put yourself in the scene at Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. Pray about what you’re experiencing and how you might share God’s love with the world.