This was a fun sermon to prepare.  Of course the use of Curious George and the other examples of dramatic irony- when the readers know more than the characters in the story- may be what will be remembered most and was a joy to compile. 

Of course, by definition we would be blind to any dramatic irony in our own lives.  We could be adament that we do know the final answers about our life, but that only illustrates the nature of the beast- we cannot see the dramatic irony in our own lives because we are not the author of our own lives.  Left to ourselves we would be lost in doubt and fear.

Thus we hear from the author of our lives through the life and words and actions of Jesus, just now born.  Unfortunately, his message of unconditional forgiveness and mercy for all is impossible for us to accept.(This is what I hope many will remember.)  We revolt against mercy and forgiveness for all and so move to be rid of the one who does this- Jesus.

Of course, regardless of our wishes, God will do whatever it takes to continue to show mercy and forgiveness for his Son's sake- even if that means raising him from the dead- and that's exactly what he did!  So now forgiveness and mercy can continue to be shown, preached and given in his name.  This insistence on being merciful is the whole reason Jesus comes, to show and to prove God desires mercy not sacrifice.

Let us rejoice in the forgiveness that continues to be given to us unconditionally for his name's sake.