I think it might be good for us to begin this study of Matthew outside of the regular rhythm of the Christmas season.  We expect to hear about the nativity and the incarnation and the angels etc in the month of December but not in August!  Maybe we'll see some things we haven't seen before.  Maybe we'll learn something from these familiar texts that we did not know before!  Is there anything new?  Well, for some there will be and for others it is just good to hear the gospel again...   Remembering that God the Son was willing to take on human flesh in order to die for us, redeem, restore and allow us to reign with Him is awesome news.  This is a much bigger story than most of us realize.  Let's be praying for open eyes and receptive hearts.