"I believe that we're more than the worst thing we've ever done. I believe that Grace is power. I believe that Love is Justice. And I believe that we have to judge how we're doing by how we treat the poor, the incarcerated and the condemned." ~Bryan Stevenson
This quote by Bryan Stevenson from his interview on Super Soul Sunday has stuck with me ever since I heard it almost 3 years ago. I find it brought to mind so much more frequently over the last year. To me it embodies the spirit of the teachings of the one known as The Christ, and I find myself striving to align with it more and more. Though American “Christianism” would have folks believe otherwise, Jesus was always on the side of the poor, the disenfranchised and the otherwise marginalized during his time on earth. And one cannot in good conscience claim to be a follower of Christ and negate this most important example he left for us. As Advent approaches, let us who would claim Jesus in this season remember not just his birth, but also his life and the words he recited from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free...”
THIS is the tidings of comfort and Joy the Angels proclaimed! The great and wonderful news that Christ came to be the first born of many siblings who will always work to set the oppressed free! Now THAT’S a carol worthy of singing from the rooftops. If you are one who celebrates Christ this season, I encourage you to reflect on who he really was and strive to show this example of him not just at Christmas but year round.
