Matthew Kuchem on the Forgotten Tragedies of the Christmas Story

"Scandal. Treason. Mass infanticide. Narrow escape. These are the elements of dark drama. When we celebrate the advent of our Lord, we tend to avoid thinking of such horrors. But they are inextricably part of the Christmas story. They are not minor details that can be brushed aside.

"Yet we often neglect these elements of the Christmas story. Our familiarity with the story causes these bleak details to slip between the cracks. They can be distressing and seem to spoil the joy and wonder of Christ's coming.

"But we may discover hope and blessing by contemplating the Christmas story in its entirety. Only when we understand the darkness that overshadows the advent of Christ can we be fully comforted by the light of Christ's coming."

In a recent commentary, Matthew Kuchem, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science at Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota., reflected on how Christ's advent is an "astonishing story of God's power and light breaking into our darkness, doubt, and suffering."

To access Dr. Kuchem's complete reflection, please visit:

Public Discourse: The Forgotten Tragedies of the Christmas Story (29 DEC 22)