Job poignantly expresses what all human beings experience at one time or another–the feeling that life is a burden, that our daily routine is drudgery, that our suffering is meaningless, that there’s not much hope for our future.

If we cling to the Lord and listen to him, we have nothing to worry about. If not, we have lots to worry about.

Is it wrong to have a family? Is it wrong to be in business? Are these secular activities inappropriate for a disciple of Jesus?

The very first call we have is not so much to do something, but to be something.

There are several important things to note about these prestigious visitors. They are Gentiles, not Jews. As Gentiles, they are pagans. In fact the term “Magi” is clearly linked to the word “magic.”

The degree of honor we are bound to give to others is directly proportional to the burden of responsibility that they bear for our sakes. No one has been given more responsibility for us than our parents, and so we must give them more honor and respect than anyone.

To deny Mary the title “Mother of God” would mean that God had not really embraced our humanity so as to become human. Rather, the humanity of Christ is hermetically sealed off from the divinity, as if Jesus were two persons, as if human nature was so distasteful that God, in Christ, had to keep it at arm’s distance.

The element of surprise is critical in warfare. And Christmas was an act of warfare. In fact it was D-Day, the day of deliverance. The preparation had taken centuries, but now it was time for the Conqueror to land in enemy-occupied territory.

In the mystery of God’s plan of salvation, all must happen in its proper time.

When people came, ready to honor John as messiah, he set them straight. He was not the star of the show, only the best supporting actor.