Psalm 2; Matthew 2:1-18  The Christmas story ends with the story of the Magi, King Herod, and the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem. The coming of the light casts shadows in the world. Does this story about the darker side of Christmas teach us how to read the world in our own time?

Luke 2:39-52  “Organized Religion” has fallen on hard times throughout the Western world. People are quick to say things like “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” And even in many Christian circles, the word “religion” has become something of a negative term, and more than once I have heard things like “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.” But is this true? What is “religion”? What was Jesus’ attitude to “religious observance”?

Matthew 26:1-16  The plot to kill Jesus comes together as the temple authorities and Judas begin to plan it together. Yet, in the midst of this, a woman offers up an extravagant act of devotion to Jesus. What are we to do with this story? Is what this woman does a “waste,” as her critics said? Or is there something more going on here?