4 BCE. The likely year of Jesus’ birth. Caesar Augustus was emperor, the man previously known as Octavius, and great-nephew of Julius Caesar. Wikipedia says in its introduction to the entry about Caesar Augustus that he was one of the most effective leaders in human history. This interpretation depends upon...

This morning on this first Sunday after Christmas we hear yet another Christmas story. Only this story from John is different from the nativity story we heard from Luke on Christmas Eve or the nativity story in Matthew. We have no angels, shepherds, or virgin births in stables. Instead, we...

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined. . . . For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful...