THIS Is Why We Celebrate Christmas

TLDR;

This video explores the biblical stories of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus, offering psychological, biological, and historical context. It examines the significance of Mary's role, the nature of motherhood, and the political backdrop of Jesus' birth under Roman rule. Key points include:

• The ancient image of mother and child as a symbol of love, life, and continuity.
• Mary's acceptance of her role as a reflection of faith in the goodness of being.
• The contrast between the humble birth of Jesus and the tyrannical rule of the Roman state.
• The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds, symbolizing the universally salvific nature of his mission.

The Annunciation [0:00]

The video begins with a reading of the Annunciation story from the Gospel of Luke, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive and bear a son named Jesus, who will be great and rule forever. From a psychological perspective, the image of mother and child is an ancient and sacred one, representing love, life, reproduction, continuity, and sacrifice. The sacrificial relationship of mother to infant is fundamental. Biologically, the female contributes more to the reproductive process, and Mary's "yes" to motherhood embodies a fundamental faith in the goodness of being, despite the world's inherent suffering.

The Angel's Description of Jesus [4:22]

The discussion shifts to the angel's description of Jesus to Mary, noting that the angel doesn't explicitly state that Jesus is God. However, it's implied through phrases like "Son of the Most High" and "His kingdom will have no end," along with the intermediation of the Holy Spirit. The story is presented in a way that builds suspense and allows human comprehension to catch up with the magnitude of the event. The fulfillment of pregnancy is a radical self-othering, as both Mary and Joseph's lives will be marked by sacrifice.

The Enunciation and Paternal Uncertainty [11:31]

The video references Matthew 1:18, which describes Joseph's perspective on Mary's pregnancy and the angel's message to him in a dream. Biologically, the story touches on the concept of paternal uncertainty, where a man must act in good faith regarding his wife's pregnancy. This willingness to trust is essential for the solidity of the family. The absence of the Annunciation story in Mark and Paul's writings is noted, but it's argued that the lack of consistency across the Gospels can make them more believable, as historical memory and storytelling work in different ways.

The Significance of the Birth Story [14:37]

Despite not being replicated in all Gospels, the birth story has become a fundamental part of Christian culture. The divine sonship of Jesus is implicitly carried through in the other Gospels, as there is no indication of another father. The angel's message to Mary is tailored to a Jewish context, emphasizing Jesus' connection to the throne of David and the house of Jacob. Mary is portrayed as the new Eve, reversing Eve's act of grasping for knowledge by humbly accepting God's will.

The Birth of Jesus and the Shepherds [19:02]

The video presents the birth of Jesus, highlighting that it occurred under the dominion of the Roman state, as evidenced by the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Augustus was the first god emperor. Jesus' birth in a manger symbolizes the emergence of the highest in the lowest of places. The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds, who are lowly but responsible figures, indicates the universally salvific nature of his mission. The shepherds are counter to the city and civilization.

The Political and Spiritual Context of Jesus' Birth [22:59]

The shepherds' presence is an answer to the undeniable, emphasizing that Jesus is still the Son of God even if only lowly shepherds are present to witness his birth. Augustus' reign was a period of extraordinary stability for the Roman Empire (Pax Romana), making it an auspicious time for Jesus to be born. Augustus ended a civilization-wide civil war. The angelic message of "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among men of goodwill" is a foil to Roman rule, contrasting the true emperor hidden in a manger with the great emperor Caesar. The term "evangelion" (gospel) was used to describe the emperor's birthday announcements, highlighting the aping of imperial language to assert Jesus as Lord. Giving glory to God leads to peace, while glorifying something else leads to violence and division. The angelic army signifies that the baby king will ultimately win the battle against earthly powers.