“Christmas will be a little more exciting for my family this afternoon. Our daughter, son-in-law, and grand daughter will be here and because next year we’ll welcome their son to be born, my son-in-law and I have been considering some names.”

Matthew writes of the angel coming to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph, “Your wife will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus; for He will save His people from their sin.” When Joseph woke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

“A popular bumper sticker at this time of year is, Jesus is the reason for the season. It’s a small and simple way to say that Jesus and His story, and not any of the many other stories and customs of this time of year, should be our main focus. Of course, it’s not Christmas yet. We’re still in the Advent season…

“He is coming, and indeed he is already here. We’re in the time of year where rituals are increasingly sought out and emphasized. Yet, last week during Thanksgiving I went to a rodeo in Texas. In closing, God will fill your heart and mind with hope…and shine through your traditions…”