Topics discussed include Tetris champion, the importance of wonder and finding meaning, the changing nature of fun, influences and values in society, and God's language in the Christmas story.
Fun is an important aspect of our lives, providing connection, relief, and a sense of wonder.
Paganism and Christianity offer contrasting values, with the former idolizing power, wealth, and physical beauty, while the latter emphasizes humility, holiness, and compassion.
The story of the Magi challenges the church to embrace the outsiders, extending genuine hospitality and recognizing the universality of the gospel message.
Deep dives
The Importance of Fun: Rediscovering Joy in a Pagan Culture
In our current culture, fun is often sacrificed as work and achievements take precedence. However, fun is an important aspect of our lives, providing connection, relief, and a sense of wonder. Modern paganism can be seen in the idolization of wealth, power, and physical beauty. Christianity offers an alternative, emphasizing the beauty of holiness, humility, and the value of every person. The story of the Magi reminds us that God knocks on the windows of the strange, the outsiders, and the suspicious, welcoming them into the story. As people who have been recipients of God's grace, we are called to extend that grace and welcome others into the community, embracing the joy and fun that comes from it.
The Paradox of Pagans: Embracing Beauty and Wealth versus the Beauty of Holiness and Humility
Paganism, in its various forms, can be observed in the worship of nature or the pursuit of power, wealth, and physical beauty. The monotheistic faiths, such as Christianity, introduced the importance of humility, the beauty of holiness, and compassion for the less fortunate. However, our modern culture often embraces the values of paganism, valuing beauty, wealth, and power above all else. By recognizing the difference between the values promoted by paganism and Christianity, we can experience true joy and fulfillment.
Epiphany: God's Invitation to the Outsiders and the Weird
Epiphany is a time of manifestation and the welcoming of the outsiders into the story of Jesus. The Magi, as outsiders themselves, represent the people who see the world and view reality through a different lens. God knocks on their window, inviting them to see something unexpected. This event challenges the church to embrace the weird, suspicious, and despised, extending the invitation to all people and reminding us that we were once Magi ourselves. It is a call to genuine hospitality and a recognition that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The Case of the Magi: When God Speaks Our Language
The story of the Magi exemplifies God's willingness to speak our language and meet us where we are. Despite the Magi's strange views and place in society, God extends an invitation to them and shows them a glimpse of something unexpected. This is a reminder that God's love and message of salvation are not limited by our preconceived notions or labels. Instead, God meets us where we are, speaking to us in ways that we can understand and inviting us to encounter Him in a personal and meaningful way.
Church Seasons and the Church's Call to Welcome All People
Epiphany serves as a reminder that the Church's seasons flow together, offering a cohesive narrative of God's love for all people. In a world that often feels divided and exclusive, the story of the Magi reminds us to welcome the weird, the suspicious, and the despised. It calls us to extend God's love and invitation to those outside our familiar circles, embracing the diversity and unique gifts that each person brings to the table. By doing so, we can live out the true spirit of Epiphany and celebrate the Gospel's good news for all people.
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Tetris, youth groups, paganism, and magi interlopers. Also, Dave plays some bingo while RJ questions the wisdom of the buddymoon.
Click here to read Angela Watercutter's piece on Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Kid Who Beat Tetris in Wired.
Click here to read Karen Heller's essay, "Fun Is Dead" in the Washington Post.
Click here to read "The Return of the Pagans" by David Wolpe in The Atlantic.
Click here to read Derek Sweatman's reflection on "Why the Magi Matter" on Mbird.
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