The kingdom of God is the greatest of all treasures; we do not earn it, but we need to commit ourselves to grasp it.

Over the past several weeks, we have “traveled” to the manger. Now we continue to travel a journey that will lead to a life of change, challenge, hope and joy.

In spite of all our sins and shortcomings, God never gives up on us. In God’s mercy we can find forgiveness, renewal, and new beginnings.

There is often concern about “taking Christ out of Christmas,” but the real issue is whether we put ourselves into Christmas, whether we become part of the story of what God is doing in Christ.

The historical St. Nicholas is a model of the self-giving love of Jesus and his commandment to “love one another”.

What passes for Christianity today is often the gospel greatly diminished or greatly adulterated. We need the real thing.