This may be a very different Christmas this year for many who are choosing to stay away from family gatherings because of the threat of illness. I know that may cause some feelings of loneliness or depression or even despair. But I want you to be encouraged.

Over 2,000 years ago, in a little city named Nazareth in Galilee, things looked bleak as well. The Jewish residents were under brutal Roman rule at the time. A young virgin turned up pregnant, telling her fiancé she had been impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Likely thinking his betrothed had been unfaithful and was trying to cover with an el...