Author Scott Peck opens one of his most popular books with these three simple words: LIFE IS DIFFICULT. “If we can embrace that truth," continues Peck, “life will no longer be difficult." I'd like to talk about that for a few moments this morning.

In Matthew's account of Jesus' birth, there are no angels singing, no shepherds watching, no cattle lowing, no tiny babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

In verse 18, Matthew says the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. “When His mother, Mary, had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit." Watch for it on the next Jerry Springer show or read about it in tomorrow's Enquirer.

In order to fully appreciate the dilemma that Matthew presents us, maybe we…