Much is implied in the Christmas story that we can miss if we don’t dig deeper into the story. There are questions to be asked. For example:
The Christmas story starts with Emperor Augustus, who is adding to his wealth, calling for a census of his subjects for taxation purposes. What does this one sentence tell us about the people Jesus would be a part of, and the people who are in charge?
El Greco’s Annunciation
Mary and Joseph are making the trip to Bethlehem as part of the census. They likely aren’t traveling alone, but with people from their hometown. Have they been shrouded in scandal: unmarried and pregnant? How does this complicate their social and religious acceptability? Could this have something to do with not finding any room in the inn?
Joseph, being a righteous man, intended to do the “righteous thing” by dissolving the betrothal between Mary and himself. Would other people think the “righteous thing” to do would be to avoid association with Mary as well?
Jesus ends up being born in impoverished conditions. Someone has allowed them in, at least offering their stable. Was the family who let them in doing them a kindness? Can’t they show better hospitality?
Hopefully this motivates you to do some digging into the story.
Where do we get our beliefs?
Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology.
From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ.
Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles.
I am now the pastor at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in St Mary’s County, Maryland. Together my wife and I have 4 children.
The Other Six Days 
Hi Corey
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div>Always enjoy watching your family grow thru fb postings. You and Julie are doing amazing things