Saturday, November 21, 2015

Jesus Loves the Marginalized



Turn on any news channel or social media feed and see the inescapable aches and pains of this world. Mothers losing daughters, fathers losing sons, peaceful protestors maced and attacked. Thousands of lives lost this week.

Our brothers and sisters in this world are being murdered, oppressed, and marginalized, and what are we light-skinned, privileged humans doing about it?

Themes of justice and equality have weighed heavily on heart as lately I have been coming to terms with my privileges and biases. I watch my brothers and sisters endure so much heartache and pain from the oppressors of this world and I only wonder what I can do to help.

For starters, be an advocate. 

I am slowly and humbly learning how to be a voice for those whose voices are ignored or silenced. In this day of technology and social media this presents an incredible opportunity.

As many of you know already, this blog was created for the intent of making a woman's voice and experience known as I journeyed through seminary. But I feel it is time to broaden the horizon.

I have recently changed programs, from Old Testament to Justice and Mission– for the reasons stated above. And as the next three years of my life will be focused on pursuing, knowing, and doing justice, I figured it would be appropriate (and necessary) to broaden the voices heard through this blog.

And what a brilliant way to kick off this new chapter with Advent beginning next week.

For those who do not know, Advent is part of the Christian tradition. It includes the four weeks leading up to Christmas and is meant to create space to contemplate the Divine, recount the birth narrative of the Messiah, and wait expectantly for the Deliverer of Justice.

As our friend Google defines it:

Ad-vent:
noun
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

The reality is, Jesus entered into a violent world not as a privileged king, but as a lowly Jewish boy born to lowly Jewish parents.

We can learn so much of the heart and character of God through the narrative of the incarnation. So as the season of Advent begins next Sunday, I am beginning a series which focus on a different marginalized groups Jesus chose to include in his birth.

This series is entitled:

Jesus Loves the Marginalized

Jesus loves the marginalized, the oppressed, the refugees, the outcasts, and the privileged. And I hope this study will help us all to love each other a little bit more, and grow in compassion for those in need.


Come thou long expected Jesus
Born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in thee

Born thy people to deliver
Born a child and yet a king
Born to reign forever
Now thy gracious kingdom bring


UNTIL NEXT SUNDAY
- - O V E R  A N D  O U T .

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