Herod is jealous. Wisemen act wisely. Joseph protects his family.

When we gather at the table of communion and take the bread and wine, there's so much more going on than what we can see.

Jesus is born of parents who both trace their lineage to the covenant promise of God.

If we believed God could and would answer prayer, would it look different?

There's a war inside us over what is right and what is best.

James gives us a reminder that our works of faith also include the words we use with one another. Especially the words used with not in worship. It's easy to get worship words right, but when someone upsets us or hurts us, it's not so easy.

Jesus was paraded through town. But no one received candy. Yet this is something to celebrate because it reminds us of another parade that's still coming!

James reminds us that playing favorites won't get us anywhere in life. Playing favorites actually sets us up for a false understanding of how God functions.

There's a difference between testing and being tempted. James here reminds us that tests are part of life and God brings those to strengthen us. Temptations are not of God because those are meant to tear us down.

Paul differentiates between the struggles we face and the harm we bring on ourselves. One can be shared with those around us, while the other is ours to carry.