In preparation for Christmas, we have used the Friday essays to consider some of the historical facts and characters behind the miraculous story of the Incarnation. I gathered these characters into The Myth and the Manger, and am so grateful to all of you who have ordered a copy. This Friday and next, as we complete our preparations to celebrate Jesus' birth, we'll use two of the stories from the book.

This week we'll return to Bethlehem with Joseph, the husband of Jesus' mother. Next week we'll travel to the manger with the angel who announced the good news to the world. So this morning, it is my privilege to welcome Joseph to the essay.