"At this season, when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son." (v. 16)

Prayer: Amid all the voices clamoring for our attention in this world, we thank you, O Lord, that your word is still truth. Amen.

One of the hosts of television’s "Tonight Show," preceding Johnny Carson, was the articulate host, Jack Paar. Near the height of his career, Jack Paar wrote a book titled I Kid You Not. This was a phrase Jack Paar often used, to convince the audience that he wasn’t joking, but telling the truth. He said in his book that what has pleased him most about the success of the show is that it is a triumph of honesty. "Whenever I say something and add, ‘I kid you not,’ I’m not kidding! It’s a modest show of light conversation and pleasant entertainment, but it’s live and real and true."1

An…