The Birth of Jesus: Radical Hospitality and the Power of the Marginalized | S3. Ep.025

Daily Bible Refresh on Christmas Eve

Welcome to a special edition of "Daily Bible Refresh" on Christmas Eve! In this episode, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller offers a fresh and engaging approach to understanding and reflecting on the significance of the Christmas story through the lens of the revised common lectionary, Year C. Our focus today is on the birth narrative of Jesus, as recounted in Luke 2:1-7 from the Message version of the Bible.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller dives into the familiar yet profound story of Jesus' birth, exploring its deeper meanings and contemporary relevance. He discusses how the narrative not only captures a pivotal moment in Christian history but also presents themes of power, hospitality, and displacement that resonate with our modern world.

Takeaway Points:

1. Imperial Power and Divine Vulnerability: The Christmas story begins with the decree from Caesar Augustus to conduct a census, showcasing imperial power. However, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller notes how God's power often operates in opposition to such earthly empires. Instead of being born into grandeur, Jesus enters the world as a vulnerable child in an occupied territory, illustrating that divine intervention often occurs in the margins rather than the centers of worldly power.
2. Radical Hospitality: One of the key themes highlighted in this episode is the concept of radical hospitality. Jesus' birth in a manger, due to the lack of room at the inn, challenges us to rethink where we find God. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller encourages listeners to reflect on whom we might be excluding from our own spaces of privilege and how we can extend hospitality to those on the fringes of society.
3. Migration and Displacement: The journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem because of the census mirrors the experiences of many displaced people in today's world. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller draws parallels between the Holy Family and modern refugees and migrants, reminding us that God is present in the stories of those forced to migrate due to circumstances beyond their control.
4. Action Step - Support for Displaced People: Rev. Dr. Brad Miller urges listeners to take tangible actions to support refugees, migrants, and those who are homeless or disconnected from society. Suggestions include researching organizations that serve these communities, volunteering, donating money, or advocating for them in your church or community. By doing so, we follow the divine pattern of serving those in the margins.
5. Recommended Resource - Prepare the Way of the Lord: In the spirit of the Advent season, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller recommends "Prepare the Way of the Lord" by Adam Hamilton. This resource is designed to help us prepare to receive Christ, focusing on the message of John the Baptist. Links to this resource are available in the show notes.

In closing, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller invites us to a prayer, asking for divine guidance in recognizing our privileges and extending compassion to those in need. He reminds us that God's loyal love is new every morning.

Join us tomorrow, Christmas Day, for another edition of Daily Bible Refresh. Until then, may you have a blessed and joyous Christmas!

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The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)