So this Christmas, as we look ahead to a New Year that holds a lot of uncertainty personally, nationally, and internationally, I want to give others -- and you -- The Compass: Read the Bible.

If we can start getting used to the idea that the acts of worship can be a happy activity, a true celebration of life, and that we are meant to be happy and peaceful, making the "joyful noise" will become automatic.

We can evade the truth if we like, but all of us, without exception, highlight certain parts of the Bible at the expense of others.

Knowing something about the Bible -- its historical backgrounds and development, its origin and translation, and its use in different contexts -- enables readers to make sense of biblical texts and references for themselves.

The Bible is a peculiar book, and it's hard to get straight information about it. Knowing the few bits of information provided here makes it possible to make sense of the Bible for yourself.

The most enduring tradition in the 2,500 year history of biblical interpretation is that there is no one "correct" interpretation, but an infinite number.