We discuss the readings for the Sunday before Christmas, from Hebrews 11 and Matthew 1 (the genealogy of Christ). We highlighted the similarities between the two readings, most specifically the fact that Christ is connected to a historical setting and community. Further, we noted that contrary to normal expectations of royalty, Matthew goes out of his way to point out Christ came from an impure line. As is so often the case in the Bible, this shows that God works through the weak and sinners of this world to accomplish His will.