the diapered infant vs. the mutant superhero (the Christmas special)

If we want to be part of these events,
Advent and Christmas,
we cannot just sit there like a theatre audience
and enjoy all the lovely pictures.
Instead, we ourselves will be caught up
in this action,
this reversal of all things;
we must become actors on this stage
For this is a play in which each spectator has
a part to play,
and we [...]

putting the Augustus back in Christmas

Just a quick post, given the time of year, to discuss the Christmas narrative in its imperial context. Picking up from J.D. Crossan in mid-sentence…
As Matthew says in 2:1-2, “in the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the [...]

Children of Men: Christmas story

Looking for a movie to watch with the family? Want to cash in on that Christmas spirit? Behold, the answer: Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men. Set in 2027, the entire human race has been rendered hopelessly and mysteriously infertile (due to pollution? radiation?), with Britain the only remaining functional (while dystopic) government. Implementing apartheid-state strategies [...]