The Christmas Nativity is among the most beloved and prominent visuals in religious culture, and whether it’s a grand production on the theater stage or a makeshift drama in a tiny country church, the scene is relatively the same. There are Mary and Joseph, some sheep and shepherds, probably the wise men, an angel or two, and baby Jesus lying in a manger. Ah, the nostalgia. But if we were to be honest, our eyes seldom focus on the wonder of that scene. Each year when we watch

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In my life, there are many ebenezers. No I’m not referring to Ebenezer Scrooge (though I do have my share of bah humbug days). What I am...