On This Night, A Perfect Christmas Read

Our tree has, as always, far too many presents beneath it. It makes me queasy.

Some family members won't be a part of our Christmas, even though they're in my heart. It makes me sad.

Our family's faith, who knows where it is, as daughters grow in independence?

Still, Christmas joy is the emotion of this moment: Joy for the family, joy for our blessings, joy that we were born Americans, joy, most of all, for God born as a baby in a manger.

And joy that there are people like Chicago Trib columnist John Kass, who can sit down and capture Christmas so beautifully it just makes your heart ache. If you only read one Christmas essay this season, I hope it is Kass' On This Night, A Comforting Message.

Update: Francis W. Porretto of Eternity Road forwarded me a wonderful audio file telling the story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of a tax collector ... could it be Matthew? It is wondrous storytelling... listen here.
hat-tip: Real Clear Politics