"Don't be afraid," the angel says to Joseph. We all need this message of courage when we strive to trust God's outlandish promises in the face of what we fear.  Emmanuel is more than a name for the Messiah or a song of praise: it is the promise that we are never alone.  "God is with us." Joseph and Mary weren't alone, even as they faced public disgrace and the awesome responsibility of raising the Christ-child.  God walked with them, as He walks with us. Whether facing a manic December or sorrow-filled Christmas, God is present--with us--here, now and always.