Theologian Emil Brunner tells the story of Nine-year-old Jenny, who had heard the Christmas story many times. One Christmas she asked her father if she could read it. Jenny couldn’t stand the part about Mary, Joseph, and the fully occupied inn. So, when she came to that part she ad-libbed a new twist. Joseph speaks, "Good evening, sir. My wife is expecting a baby any minute now and we need a place to stay. Could you help us?" The innkeeper replies, "Well, you see, we are crowded but there’s always room for one more. Please come in." Jenny put the Bible down and said, "Now, Daddy, isn’t that better?"

That's the temptation isn't it? To make it better. We wish to have a solid Christmas joy, not just a little candlelight with a Christmas tree fragrance, but a storm lantern that does not go out even when it is blown upon from all sides.