Over the years the story of the Magi or wise men in Matthew 1 has been embellished and added too. Perhaps, this is what Matthew intended because he is vague about who these mysterious Magi are.

Summary – At the manger scene, we can find a host of creatures surrounding baby Jesus - mooing cows, braying donkeys, baa-ing sheep, cooing doves, and bellowing camels, as if all are singing the praises to the new born Christ child. In the 148th Psalm, we too encounter all of creation singing the praises of God, humankind is simply invited to be one part of the chorus. We can learn a lot from our fellow created beings; the heartbeat of God is beating all around us, in the manger, at the Last Supper, and in all of creation, the key is to train our ears to listen.

Matthew 1 gives the genealogy of Jesus, which includes heroes of the faith like Abraham and King David. Typically, genealogies in the ancient near east only listed men but Matthew's genealogy includes 5 vulnerable women.

Sermon in a sentence: A word of the Lord came to Haggai when the Judean people were trying to rebuild their lives but were stuck longing for the past: Take courage and work; for my Spirit is with you. Do not be afraid. This message, though specific for the Judean, can speak to us too. As we look towards the future of the church, particular during pledge and giving season. We can look back to see God’s faithfulness and then be courageous in the path ahead.

Give Until it Feels Good Giving doesn't always come naturally or easily, but eventually, it feels good to give. It just takes practice, which is why giving is considered a spiritual discipline, that we must cultivate. Our call as Christians is to bless others, to serve and to give. It is part of our responsibility and our response to God’s grace and love.

We are connected with all the saints who have done on before us through our baptism.