Today’s readings offer us great hope: “the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” This name means “God is with us.” It is important that we remember this especially when the world is calling us to move faster – to shop more, to buy more. Don’t let the noise of the world drown out what you heard in today’s readings. Amid your busyness this week repeat these words – “…they shall name him Emmanuel – which means God is with us.” God is with YOU!