Marginal Christianity

The Magi The child born at Christmas carries the story on into Epiphany though he has done nothing at all yet. Lower class blue collar workers (that’s the social status of shepherds in that time) were called to his manger by angels (Luke’s account). For Matthew, it’s a brilliant star that attracts foreign pagan idolaters to the child’s home. They bring him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (BTW the three gifts do not mean there were only three magi as our nativity scenes assumes. Likely there were more for such a long and dangerous journey. Further, the magi do not arrive at the same time as the shepherds as our nativity scenes also assume. Likely, he a toddler at home, maybe around two years old). The magi, though “Kings” in the Christmas carol, were something like astrologers known also for being interpreters of dreams. Sometimes called “wise” men, their wisdom consisted in these arcane abilities and not in moral wisdom or knowledge. Coming from Gentile lands these...

Posted on   January 6, 2019 by  carolyncustisjames A careful reading of the Gospels reveals that the birth of Jesus takes place amid dark political machinations. Despite generations of Christian efforts to make the story suitable for children in cheerful Christmas pageants, Christmas has a menacing subtext of  poverty, marginalization, the threat of an honor killing, angel warnings, bold escapes from danger, a ruthless tyrant, and the actual killing of countless baby boys.  Epiphany marks the final episode of the Christmas story: the magi’s visit to the Christ child. By the time we reach this day on the calendar, the holidays are over, kids are back in school, and with a sense of relief we’re packing up Christmas decorations and settling back into our normal routine. Taking one last look back at events surrounding Jesus’ birth seems almost anticlimactic. Yet to close the books for another year’s round of Christmas celebrations is to mi...

“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”                                                                                                                                                                ...

                                   Isaiah 60:1 -6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12) God calls to his people and his world (season of Advent).   God comes to his people and world (season of Christmas).   God confronts his people and world (Day of Epiphany). Born to a peasant couple in Bethlehem. Attended by animals and shepherds. Now worshiped by Magi. These “wise men” from the East, that is, pagans, seek audience with him led by a star in the East to his birthplace. They bear gifts fit for a king.   This is Jesus, the king of the Jews (Mt.2:2)! The lectionary readings also frame Jesus’ birth as a royal divine event.   Isaiah styles it the coming of God’s “glory” (God’s presence).   That for which Israel had longed for and waited is here! Psalm...