When Matthew introduces the birth of Jesus, it is the name announced by the prophet Isaiah which he shares with us — Immanuel. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” Matt 1:23

We sometimes romanticize the times surrounding Jesus’ birth, painting them as wonderful times. More likely they were a mixture of terrific and tragic experiences for many. Read more …

This time every year one question is asked a lot – “Are you ready for Christmas?” I think there’s a better question we should be asking ourselves and those we love: “Do you know where you’re going for Christmas?” I don’t mean do you know the street address or which relatives you’ll be eating turkey with this year. I mean do you know which way to look to find Christmas? If we’re looking in the usual places the odds are stacked against us for finding anything more or less than we ever have. Read more …