We talk like we pack Christmas (and its decorations) away until the next year.

We follow the well-trodden paths of our traditions – candlelight services and caroling, Luke 2 and presents under the tree, Christmas movies and gingerbread houses.

I need a nudge to a path that is muddier—but also wider and steadier—than the precarious tightrope of this world’s version of Christmas cheer.

Becoming one of us, born in a simple fashion, among the least of the “thems” in order to draw humanity into the Divine “us.”

Listen to a Christmas story podcast, written and read by James C. Schaap. The youngest shepherd must stay with the sheep as the others go

I remember my cousins. There were so many of us. Most of them I would only see this one day of the year.

Listen to a Christmas story podcast, written and read by James C. Schaap. A recently widowed grandmother visits her daughter’s family for the holidays.

My eyes were taking it in, but my brain was utterly undone by something I had no real context for.

Listen to a Christmas story podcast, written and read by James C. Schaap. An arrogant artist agrees to narrate the church’s Christmas program.