Matthew loved the magi. He gave their story more square inches of text than he gave the narrative of the birth of Jesus. He never mentions the shepherds or the manger, but he didn't want us to miss the star and the seekers. It's easy to see why. Their story is our story.

Sin is not an unfortunate slip or a regrettable act; it is a posture of defiance against a holy God.

We refuse to believe that this present world is the sum total of human existence.

When we see death, we see disaster. When Jesus sees death, he sees deliverance!

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you'll ever get to God.

Want to snatch a day from the manacles of boredom? Do overgenerous deeds, acts beyond reimbursement. Kindness without compensation. Do a deed for which you cannot be repaid.

First, God does not send people to hell. He simply honors their choice. Hell is the ultimate expression of God's high regard for the dignity of man. He has never forced us to choose Him, even when that means we would choose Hell.