On the Sunday before Christmas, the Church reminds us of the earthly ancestors of Christ going back to Abraham. This long list of names is not for lack of purpose. In this ancient custom of recalling our ancestors, we recall both those who have been faithful and those who have not been so faithful. This annual custom of the Church of recalling the ancestors of Christ reminds us how much God loves us. From the very beginning of creation, God has always had a relationship with humanity as His People. Even those who were not faithful, God never abandoned, and the entire Old Testament story reminds us that God has remained faithful to us. In the celebration of Christmas just around the corner we are reminded that God is ALWAYS with us.