What does Christmas mean?

The “good news” (gospel) of Christmas is not just a story about the birth of a baby. And it’s not just a story about what that baby would one day accomplish. It is a claim that the baby that was born is Lord and Caesar is not. That the baby lying in a manger is the true King of the universe and that the establishment of his kingdom is at hand (near, close in space and time). That God’s kingdom of Shalom (true peace) will rule over the Pax Romana (not actually peace). And that the invitation of Christmas is to join in his mission to bring that Kingdom bit by bit, neighbor to neighbor, in following his way for humanity.

Again, we don’t see a savior who’s here merely to change the state of our souls after we die. The very nature of His coming AS A HUMAN means that God and His Kingdom is near to us — in every sense of the word — today. God (from the very beginning) has sought to partner with and work through humans to spread his goodness throughout the whole world.

And yet… he came in the humblest of ways, as a poor baby boy to an unwed (nearly-wed?) pregnant mother. Announced to and celebrated by those outside the inner circle of those in power.

Christmas is cosmic — for all. Christmas is also close — for you, for me.