Matthew 1-2 tells us about the birth of Jesus, his genealogy, and most importantly the names he was given: Jesus (God Saves) and Immanuel (God With Us).

This is a Parable with a very clear setting. Jesus is about to arrive in Jerusalem and he wants to tell his disciples how they are to live while waiting for his return as King.

This is the first parable Jesus tells in each of the Gospels. It is the parable that explains the different response that Jesus and his disciples will get to the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.

This is probably the strangest of Jesus' parables. His tells the story of a dishonest manager ... and tells his disciples they could learn from him.

This Parable has a clear setting. Jesus is being criticized by the Pharisees and religious leaders for mixing with "sinners and tax collectors". Jesus tells these parables to show God's attitude to the lost.

The Parable of the Great Banquet fits in a part of the dinner conversation where the Pharisees thought they would catch Jesus out ... but instead Jesus turns the table on them.

Christmas Day

God promised to send a Shepherd to rescue and lead his people. In john 10 Jesus announces he is the good shepherd.

God's people were longing for the day he would send the promised king ... the king who would lead God's people, not by power or force, but lead by example.

Christmas is the time when God's promises are fulfilled ... a promised saviour, a promised king, a promised shepherd and a promised son.