Jesus' Nativity Protest

"And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host,

praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!

(from Luke 2:1-20)

Can you imagine Christmas without manger scenes, children's pageants, candlelight services, caroling, and gift giving?

Gift-giving, a pagan Winter Solstice ritual, evolved with Christianity, spread with the Three Wise Men, finally becoming Black Friday and last-minute shopping.

Luke intended the Nativity story to define Jesus as Savior by comparing the political and economic differences between Jesus and emperor Augustus, an aspect overlooked by Christmas celebrations.

Scholars point to these four verses: 

1. "Emperor Augustus decrees a registration." (Luke 2:1 NRSV).

This census counts people and properties for taxation and social control by making the rich richer and exploits the poor making them poorer.

By decree, Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth, go to Bethlehem registering their names and properties. 

Jesus’ manger birth is an act of solidarity with exploited poor against Agustus.

2. Angels bring good news for everyone. (Luke 2:10 NRSV).

“Good news” often meant the empire’s benefits like a military victory or end to war, profiting everyone.

Augustus’ birth, considered a god and priest with high office, is both political and religious.

Consequently, Jesus’ Nativity holds political and religious meaning.

 3. Jesus, the Savior, Messiah, and Lord, born in Bethlehem, stresses he is the new king (Luke 2:11 NRSV).

Augustus’ king-making policy is threatened, since he is considered a savior by ending civil war.

Jesus’ act of salvation is for everybody, unlike Augustus’ salvation for protecting the rich.

4. Angels declare Jesus will bring peace on earth! (Luke 2:14 NRSV) 

Jesus’ heavenly, non-violent peace includes everyone while Augustus’ violent peace favors elites while oppressing disadvantaged and marginalized people.

Today this systemic sin still exists as the economy benefits the rich while the poor experience the violence of access to good quality health care, education, and food.

Jesus' Good News continues as Christians today challenge the systematic sin preventing improvement for the disadvantaged.