The Gospel of Luke and Christmas: A Message of Simplicity and Inclusivity

We have made of this world a neighborhood and yet we have not had the ethical commitment to make up at a brotherhood. Somehow and in some way we've got to do this. We must all learn to live together as brothers. We will all perish together as fools. We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.

Well, hello, welcome to the Words for Change podcast. I am your host, lionel. Today, we're going to dive into the heart of our religious season with a special episode on the religious importance of Christmas and how its profound message can inspire us all to engage in social justice work in our local communities, which I believe is vitally important. So let's check this out as we move forward. Well, let's get into it and think about Christmas. Christmas is a time of joy. It's a time of reflecting. It's not just about glittering lights and gifts under the tree, although those things are important. It's about celebrating a deep rooted Christian theology, which I would argue for every time. It's about commemorating the birth of Jesus. It's a figure that is synonymous. This Christ is synonymous with love, compassion and, most importantly, change. Right In the Gospel of Luke, for instance, the birth of Christ is a story of humility and simplicity. Right so it is Jesus born in the manger. Jesus's beginnings were far from royalty. His humble beginnings is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing simplicity and prioritizing human connection over material wealth, which is also vitally important. Right so, when we think about the Christmas story, we're also teaching. It's teaching us about the inclusivity and diversity. Right, think about the shepherds First to hear Jesus's birth. They were considered the lowly in their society, yet they were chosen by God as ones who were to receive the good news. This is part of the story, this part of the story. It urges us to value every member in our society, irrespective of their social status. So here again, right out the gate, in the Gospel of Luke, jesus is focusing in or the Gospel, rather, is focusing in on the importance of every member in society, irrespective of their social status. Now let's relate these teachings to our present day. Social justice, as I like to say, it is not about just taking one thing from one group of people and giving it to another All those some would make that argument. Rather, social justice is about ensuring equality and fairness in our society. It's giving us a better opportunity and a better understanding during this time of Christmas, to reflect on how we can contribute to a better society. Jesus's message of love, for instance, and service to others, especially the marginalized people, is a clarion called for us to act, to do something, to be disciples. That's vitally important, a part of our Christian witness that is far missing in many of our churches today. Most people are simply content with going to church instead of becoming the church. So our goal is to be a church. That is not just for us to act, but for us to act with words for change, podcasts and this message is to get people to be the church in the world, in our local communities. Today, there are numerous ways that we can embody the spirit of Christmas, like volunteering, participating in food drives, participating in mission opportunities Not just participating, but giving. Giving is a vital part of how people in the world experience kindness. I believe that kindness goes forth as people participate in giving. That's the way right. You can serve and do actionable works, but you can also give. There are a lot of people who are unable. Matter of fact, there are people who are listening to me now. They're unable to participate physically, but you can give. You can also, you can always do something to show your support, and I think that's fantastic. So it's simply extending a hand of friendship, extending a hand of love and care to someone in need. These acts of kindness are the essence of what Jesus taught, vitally important. So, as we gather with our families and friends during Christmas, let us think about the story of Jesus, let's think about Jesus's birth, let's consider what it means. How can we, like the shepherds who spread the good news of Jesus's birth, become messengers of hope and change in our community? Right, perhaps this is by advocating for homeless, fighting for rights of the marginalized or supporting local charities. These things are part of how the world becomes a better place, and it is a perfect opportunity to practice discipleship. If you are discontent with the church or you are discontent with what you see in the religious sphere, in America in particular today, this is your opportunity to do better. This is my opportunity to do better. This is when we begin taking the message of Christmas Christmuss, for instance and we begin being disciples instead of just talking or reading about discipleship. I believe this is how the world changes. This is what makes the world a better place, and this is the message of Christmas. The message of Christmas is empowering and empowers us to see beyond our individual needs and consider the well-being of our community as a whole. So remember, change starts with a single step. It doesn't have to be a grandiose move, it doesn't have to change the world overnight, but small, consistent actions can create a ripple effect of change and that's what I'm all about. More importantly, this is a clarion call to you. Change begins with you. As you begin to change, then the world begins to change around you. So this is a short podcast, but as we finish up today, my goal here I just want to reiterate that my goal was to get you to think about this concept of Christmas. You can gather people around the table before you open gifts. Even that's a tradition in our family, and we talk about the meaning of Christmas. That it's not just about the presents that are put underneath the tree. It's about what is the deeper message here. What is God saying to our world through Christmas? What does the gifts?

mean.

What does it mean to be a selfless person, that our lives are not just about the material things that we receive under the tree, but we have a different purpose. The kids were listening, the children. They have a deeper purpose in life. I grew up doing a time that we didn't have an opportunity to celebrate Christmas in this way, and not only did we not have the opportunity, we just simply did not have the resources. I didn't celebrate birthdays. I didn't understand any of these significant experiences, messages that really helped shape and develop us into people that we need to become, who give back to the world. So now that I'm older, now obviously have kids and a few grandkids as well I understand the importance of these things, and now my goal was to teach my children, and then they would teach their children, and then they would teach their children. So it's a ripple effect of change. It starts with you deciding to make a change. So, as we conclude, I want to invite you to reflect on the message of Christmas and hope that it can inspire you to make a difference. Think about the areas in your community where you can participate and spread love. Again, justice is not about taking from one and giving to another. It's about teaching us how to be selfless people. So, everyone, thank you so much for listening to the Words for Change podcast family. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I hope that you found today's special episode inspiring. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast. Sign up for our email list that's in the show notes for more thought-provoking content. That's what we're all about. I want you to think and I want you to do. I want you to be, but I want you to do as well. I want you to be a better person. I want your communities to be better as a result of your presence. So the link is in the description below. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a season filled with compassion, love and positive change. So until 2024, we're signing out. This is our last podcast for 2023. And until 2024,. Until next time, 2024, keep spreading kindness, fighting for truth, be in the disciple of Christ and remember change starts with you Signing off. And happy new year, peace.

Until next time, give me some and I'll see ya'll you.