Luke 2:10--And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Dr. Bryant Kirkland, former pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, tells of traveling to the West Coast one winter to preach in another congregation: "I needed the time on that three-hour flight to study and prepare," he said, "so I buckled down and let everyone near me feel the tension--don''t bother me, I''m a busy man with places to go and work to do.

"A young woman and a baby slipped into the seat next to mine. I thought, This will be difficult,'' so I kept a straight face and looked very Presbyterian. It lasted for about six minutes.

"Pr…