In the December 26, 2012 edition of the Christian Century, John M. Buchanan writes:
The more I ponder the story of Jesus the more convinced I am that it’s about a radical inclusivity that threatened and still threatens all who are invested in exclusivity of any kind, but particularly religious exclusivity. Jesus had no time for religion as a definer of who was “in” and who was “out,” who was “us” and who was “them.” The story still challenges every established religious, political or social structure that’s vehemently defended to keep insiders secure and pure and outsiders away (p.3).
So What?
Christmastide is a time when the pace of life shifts a bit for many, and a time for pondering. As another year comes to an end, many will be making resolutions for the year ahead. Why not invest some of the time you set aside for thinking about things that matter to struggling with Buchanan’s words and determining how you will embrace (or reject) them in the year ahead?