Black Friday, December and much of our consumer economy here in America emphasizes hedonism and over inflated acts of self-importance. Reading accounts of how other countries see Americans, this is not a good look, and it is felt that we could be doing better.
Jesus and his whole family show us that what really brings us peace is not individualism and over inflated egos, but humility, collectivism and a willingness to help others when the powers compel us to other.
We must collectively resist the siren call of having peace and joy when we buy that special gift and instead resist this country’s echo chamber and model reconciliation in our public discourse. We must resist the idea that somebody is taking our jobs, our money or our resources and being angry about it is somehow going to Make America Great Again.
As the Jesus story unfolds over the next season, we will see that there is an absurdity to carrying the cross. We must learn to choose the manger and the cross over hedonism and instead turn to that which brings us true peace, embracing the radical love that God kenotes in us through Jesus.
The Values of the Manger
In the ancient world, a manger was primarily a feeding trough for animals, symbolizing humility and the basic needs of life. Its use in the nativity story highlights Jesus’ humble beginnings and foreshadows his role as sustenance for humanity, as he is often referred to as the “bread of life.” Growing up as a young pastor in and around farming communities, some of the feeding troughs are simple, clean affairs with hay placed in them. In others, they are a messy amalgamation of food scraps, grain and other slop thrown out by the farmer (seen in several farms where pigs were raised).
In keeping with the theme of the angel coming to a young girl from nowhere, insignificant in all accounts, a manger was as common as a cooking pot or a water jar — an unremarkable object of everyday life.
And yet, precisely because it was ordinary, the manger became so powerful as a symbol in Christian tradition: a reminder that the extraordinary often begins in the simplest of places.
In a season bespectacled by brilliance and decadence, the image of the manger reminds us to choose humility and even reconciliation, influencing our collective identity around this season that is intended to bring us out of the darkness. Rather than seeking fulfillment in the glitter of gifts or the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, the manger invites us to ground ourselves in simplicity and compassion. It encourages us to look beyond ourselves, to reach out and mend relationships, and to find value in the ordinary moments that make up our shared experience.
By holding fast to the example of Jesus’ humble beginnings, we are challenged to redefine what it means to celebrate. We are called to set aside pride and individual ambition, and instead foster a spirit of unity and generosity. In doing so, we participate in creating a season that truly brings light—not just to our own lives, but to our communities as a whole. The manger stands as a quiet but powerful invitation to embrace humility, to practice reconciliation, and to let our collective identity be shaped by peace and love rather than indulgence and self-importance.
Choosing Reconciliation and Humility
We must choose to embody reconciliation and humility rather than individualism and pride. In taking this radical anti-American posture, our public discourse would begin to reflect a deeper respect for differing perspectives and a willingness to listen before reacting. By shifting focus from defending personal interests to fostering understanding, conversations could become less polarized and more compassionate, allowing for real progress on divisive issues. Communities might see greater collaboration and empathy, as people prioritize building bridges instead of walls, and seek solutions that benefit everyone rather than a select few. This transformation would nurture environments where authentic dialogue thrives, and where the dignity of every person is affirmed, ultimately making space for true peace and collective well-being.
Embracing Radical Love
Practically, as communities of faith, we must embrace radical love. When we embrace the radical love of Jesus we are accepting and practicing a selfless, unconditional love that extends even to those who may not deserve it. This love encourages forgiveness, kindness, and service to others, reflecting the nature of God and transforming our relationships and communities. This love looks like
- Loving our enemies: Jesus challenges followers to extend love and kindness to those who may not reciprocate. This radical approach breaks the cycle of retaliation and promotes healing.
- Embracing mercy: Jesus emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, reflecting God’s loving nature. This means treating others with compassion, regardless of their past actions.
- Serving others: Jesus demonstrated radical love through acts of service, such as washing His disciples’ feet. This act symbolizes humility and the call to serve those who are often overlooked.
To Close
The next week of Advent is about Peace. Consider what this means. Will you truly be at peace if your neighbor is arrested because their papers are not in order? Will you really be at peace if you buy your spouse that special gift if your emotional relationship is in order (you won’t)? Will you really make your kid happy if you are a detached, uninvolved parent that spends more time playing video games by yourself instead of playing with your kid?
Real peace comes from the community and knowing everyone is safe. It is a fallacy to think that we are better than someone else because of our race, our nationality or gross income. Jesus did not tell the five thousand to find their own food, he challenged the disciples to figure it out. He called us to figure it out, how do we reduce the suffering? How do we create peace in a world hungry for disunity?
To close, consider this prayer:
Creating, sustaining God, thank You for Your radical love that transforms our lives. Help us to experience and express this love daily. Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to forgive as we have been forgiven. Open our eyes to those who need Your love, and give us the courage to reach out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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