St. Luke's telling of the Christmas story, which is read at Midnight Masses all over the Catholic world, commences by invoking the first-century's most powerful man: "In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world." Then the story continues by introducing a new King, one born in straw poverty, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough. This is the poetry by which God enters into our world, not as a tyrant surrounded by powers of earthly violence but as a fragile baby surrounded by an army of heavenly angels set to usher him to the cross. Today's episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses this subversive Christmas tale and encourages us to consider which king we choose to follow. The listener question asks about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Topics Discussed 0:17 - Introduction: What was Word on Fire doing in New York City? 3:40 - What is the political backdrop of the Christmas story? 5:42 - Who were Mary and Joseph of Nazareth? 8:00 - What is the significance of Bethlehem? 9:50 - How strange is it that God came in the form of a baby? 12:33 - What is the significance of the manger? 13:32 - How does The Lord of the Rings relate to the Christmas story? 16:00 - Why is the birth of this baby good news for the shepherds? 17:42 - What is the terrifying undertone signaled by the angels who appear above the manger? 20:45 - How might Catholics get in the Christmas spirit? 21:47 - Question from listener: What is the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit? Bonus Resources Videos "The Giver" and Recovering our Christian Memory Reflections on Christmas Christmas and the Prologue of John DVD's Catholicism: The Pivotal Players (Word on Fire) Catholicism series (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire) Articles The True King (Bishop Barron) Why You Need Spiritual Food (Bishop Barron) Why Christmas Should Bother Everybody (Bishop Barron) I was an Atheist Until I Read "The Lord of the Rings" (Fredric Heidemann) Books 2 Samuel by Bishop Barron Exploring Catholic Theology by Bishop Barron Chrismas Bundle by Bishop Barron Homilies God's Subversive Ways (Bishop Barron) Christmas Surprise (Word on Fire) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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