On Christmas Eve and again this morning, we read from the Gospel of John about the mystery of the incarnation.  We do not get the pleasure of hearing the tale that is so often counted upon during the Christmas season.  The appointed readings do not include the story from Luke that recounts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the words of the innkeeper directing them to a stable for the evening, or of the angel that visits the shepherds cowering in a field while receiving the news of the birth of Christ.  We are left without the ability to wonder what thoughts may have gone through Mary’s mind at the birth of her son; we do not get the story that leads us into the human aspects of the beginning. Continue reading →