revolution begins…

in case you can’t tell, this baby jesus is intended to resemble a popular image of the legendary revolutionary che guevara, who would probably find it amusing (or disgusting, or both) that his face now represents- to popular culture at least- a diluted version of the social change he fought and died for. but i’m sure che would also relate to how jesus has been similarly diluted, especially during this time of year when we deal with what cornel west calls the perpetual “santa-clausification” of jesus- a phenomenon that reduces jesus to either a cuddly baby in a cute nativity scene or a jolly old saint with gifts in his bag for all the good children. what happens when revolution is commercialized? a movement becomes a consumer commodity, a figurehead becomes a fad, and instead of a mission we have trendy t-shirts.

it concerns me greatly that the messiah of the new testament is nowhere to be found in our common perception of jesus. gone is the table-turning, whip-cracking, temple-cleansing revolutionary who challenged the religious establishment of corruption and greed. gone is the wandering rabbi who taught about turning the social system on its head because the poor and the peacemakers were blessed (not the rich and the warmongers). gone is the rebel who stood up to an empire with little more than the prophetic imagination of another reality called “the kingdom of God.”

sadly, he’s been replaced by a moralistic vision of a jesus who teaches us simply how to be “good, nice people” and who grants us fire insurance from eternal damnation as long as we obey the rules and keep up our false piety. god help us if we reduce jesus to a fat man in a red suit who says “ho-ho-ho-do your devotions and open presents” this christmas. as wayne reminded us last sunday, God himself has rolled up his sleeves and chosen to pierce the darkness of this world- and the way he decided to show up was not with imperial aggression, but instead as a tiny, helpless baby. it’s absolutely crazy, and absolutely brilliant.

so as you enjoy this season to reflect, see family, and be thankful, don’t forget about the revolution. it began with a baby, and it continues with you.