HELLO!

I hope you can join me Tuesday, December 2^nd at 7 pm in the Sams Room for the first of three conversations about Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s book, The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’ Birth. You don’t need to have the book, to have read the book, to participate. You also don’t need to belong to our faith community, as several people have been joining us for these faith studies who attend other churches and no church. I summarize the sections of the book identified on the poster (attached) and then open-up the circle for questions and comments. We typically attract between 20-25 people.

This week’s session comes with some problematic weather predictions. The forecast is still up in the air, so a decision will be made on whether we move forward around 12 noon on Tuesday. If you are keen to know, send me an email then, or call me at 902-817-2782. I am visiting in the afternoon, so if you don’t hear back from me (1-3 pm) it’s because I am giving my full attention to those I am getting to know better.

My mind goes back to an elective course I took at Dalhousie University, taught by a practicing Hindu professor. The 15 students were from Halifax. We had all been raised in the Christian tradition. The professor began with a question, “I have studied all the world’s great religions and what confuses me about Christianity is this, the central event of your faith is Easter, resurrection is what makes you Christian. Yet…living in this Christian country for 30 years I can’t help but notice that more of you attend Christmas Eve services than Easter ones. Why is that?”

Of the four Gospels in our Bible, only one details the birth story of Jesus (Luke), and two do not mention it at all (Mark and John). Authors Borg and Crossan reveal the early church did not focus much on Jesus’ birth, it just wasn’t a major concern. The Gospels themselves were all written at least 100 years after Jesus had died and been resurrected. In many ways, the Gospel writers are telling us who Jesus was/is in light of his teachings and death/resurrection. Their unique birth narratives reflect this effort.

Matthew’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the New Moses – the new law giver, for like Moses Jesus is rescued from the murderous king. In Matthew Jesus goes to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath; in Exodus Moses leads the people out of Egypt. Luke on the other hand, sees Jesus in contrast to Caesar Augustus, who is acclaimed as son of God (Apollo) and Saviour. We also see the emphases of Luke’s gospel – on women (Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna), an emphasis on the poor and the marginalized (the shepherds).

I look forward to sharing in this conversation with you. Peace, Kevin