Brandon Vogt, author and speaker, joins the podcast to discuss the subversive and revolutionary nature of the Christmas story. Topics covered include the symbolism behind the census, the details of Jesus' birth, the significance of God becoming a baby, and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The Christmas story challenges conventional notions of power by presenting a lowly baby as the true King, highlighting the subversive nature of Jesus' birth.
The shepherds and the heavenly host in the Christmas story emphasize the inversion of societal expectations and the power and authority behind the baby King.
Deep dives
The Christmas story presents a subversive call to spiritual revolution
The podcast episode explores the idea that the Christmas story is not just a sentimental tale, but a subversive call to spiritual revolution. It challenges conventional notions of power and kingship by presenting a lowly baby born in a manger as the true King. The story highlights the contrast between the Roman Empire, represented by Caesar Augustus, and the new Davidic King, Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus' victory over the powers of the world is not achieved through military might, but through his death on the cross and resurrection.
The significance of the shepherds and the heavenly host
The podcast discusses the significance of the shepherds and the heavenly host in the Christmas story. The shepherds, considered lowly and marginalized figures in society, are the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This contrasts with the powerful figures like Caesar Augustus, highlighting the subversive nature of the story. The multitude of the heavenly host, described as an army of angels, accentuates the power and authority behind the baby King. The podcast draws parallels between the shepherds and the peasant women, who are also the first to witness Christ's resurrection, further emphasizing the inversion of societal expectations in God's revelation.
The enduring impact of the baby King and the church
The podcast explores the enduring impact of the baby King and the church. It highlights the contrast between the Roman Empire, which is now nothing but ruins, and the enduring presence of the church founded by the baby Jesus. The podcast emphasizes that despite the flaws and sins of its members, the church remains and defies the passing empires of the world. It refers to the story of Cardinal George, who reflected on the contrast between the Roman Emperor and the successor of Peter, Pope Benedict XVI. This story underscores the confounding mystery of the church's endurance throughout history and its continued presence as a result of the victory of the baby King.
Friends, is the Christmas story little more than a sweet, saccharine tale about a cute baby being born? Or do the Gospels present something more subversive and revolutionary, a battle between two great kings? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode.
A listener asks, whose body is the Body of Christ in the Eucharist? Infant, crucified, or resurrected Jesus?
00:00 | Intro 01:31 | Bishop Barron at Good News Conference 03:56 | The surprising subversiveness of the Christmas story 05:44 | Christmas details—Caesar and his census 08:31 | Christmas details—“no room in the inn” 10:37 | Christmas details—swaddling clothes 12:06 | Christmas details—laid in a manger 13:36 | Christmas details—shepherds as first witnesses 15:47 | Christmas details—“do not be afraid” 18:38 | Christmas details—“heavenly host” of angels 23:47 | Why did God come as a baby? 25:16 | Listener question 26:43 | Join the WOF Institute
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