The Christian life is not a solo performance. God links his people together in grateful, loving relationships to help us work for his good. He calls us to be team players, which is not only counter cultural, but also difficult when you feel like you let the team down (or it lets you down). Nevertheless, the call to link arms remains.

Satan was the most original Grinch. He is hellbent on stealing joy and destroying all God holds dear. One of his age-old tactics is to accuse God's people. But Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension sent Satan sputtering. God's people have an Advocate, and need not heed Satan's accusations any further.

Joseph had an opportunity to stop Christmas from coming. He could have asked for Mary to be stoned. It would have been within his rights, considering she was with child and it was not his. But Joseph resolved for a more merciful decision, putting his role above his reputation. In a shame-sensitive society, his choice was wonderful.

We put too much weight on our politicians (and they too much on themselves). They are not men and women in positions of influence; they are not messiahs. Sadly, we can put more trust in them to solve our problems than God, who sets people in their seats of power. Hosea calls his people to look past politics to find spiritual solutions to spiritual problems.

Family life brings tremendous joy and terrible pain. As dysfunctional as family relationships may be, family members are difficult to disown. God knows something of family problems in his relationship with Israel. Hosea knows something of family problems with his wife and children. We know something of family problems, too. Fortunately, bitter family problems get better with God... someday.