Dear Andrew -- I loved your piece. It brings a lot for those who love Jesus but couldn't stand the demagoguery.

I've read writings, collected from ancient writings --not what was culled together by arguing scholars and called the Bible -- but from that time period.

Jesus was not poor. In fact, Mary and Joseph, both descended from King David, were notable people in the community. Joseph was an architect, not a carpenter. And Jesus traveled widely with his godfather, Joseph of Aramithea, who was one of the wealthiest people on earth at the time. (Jesus' godfather gave him his resting place when Jesus was crucified.)

Since we're in the Christmas season, I would like to mention that Mary had a midwife. Who was crippled in her hands, but of great heart and mind. When the midwife delivered Jesus the infant, she was healed. Jesus healed everyone He came in contact with.

There's so much we have yet to know.

Looking forward to your journey.