December 19, 2008
Urban Exile: Will Compassion Survive This Season?
This Christmas the failing economy will test our commitment to serve the poor.
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by David Swanson
An excerpt...
For all of our recent talk of being missional, these days of economic uncertainty may prove to be an important test. Serving and giving from a position of security is one thing; generosity to the poor despite a precarious financial position is something else. The days ahead will provide plenty of opportunities to welcome the migrant worker, advocate for the day laborer, feed the homeless, and house the unemployed single mother. Competing for our attention will be the powerful impulse to protect our own kingdoms and budgets. As Christmas approaches, should the coming of the Son of God fill us with the shepherd’s joy or Herod’s dread.
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Posted by UrL Scaramanga on December 19, 2008
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Comments
Yes, this year's generosity will be more of an act of faith and courage than in most years.
Any maybe that's not a bad thing.
Posted by: Jarrod at December 19, 2008
"Do we know people whose financial situation required them to line up at the Big Box store 12 hours before it opened on Black Friday?"
Since when is this a requirement? We have this statement in juxtaposition to the charity and generosity. Is there no way to live in the States outside of the materialism that underpins the financial markets? How many of those shoppers that were rushing by stopped to help? One or two did - did the rest go home or continue on the path to shopping? What about those who couldn't line up even 12 hours in advance because they didn't even have that money? This article is just the wrong context for that tragic event.
Posted by: Steve at December 19, 2008