The politics behind the religion. On this episode of “Church on the Block” Pastor Phil and Pastah J discuss the significance of Christmas traditions and how they have become increasingly commercialized.

Pastah J also share his recent trip to Israel and the insights he gained about the dynamics of Christ’s time. Our hosts discuss the importance of family gatherings during Christmas and how it reflects the true meaning of the holiday. The real gift of Christmas is not the material possessions but the presence of loved ones.

They also talk about the value of relationships and how they can change over time, making it important to cherish them while they last. They share their Christmas traditions and how they incorporate scripture readings and acts of service into their celebrations.

Our hosts also challenge the common misconceptions about the birth of Jesus and the significance of Bethlehem today. They acknowledge the humble beginnings of Christ and the importance of seeing him in a new, authentic way, rather than getting caught up in the commercialization of Christmas.

Politics & religion in the time of Jesus

Our hosts also discuss the complex and interconnected nature of religion, politics, and social issues, both in the Middle East and in America. They encourage listeners to think critically about their Christmas traditions and to spend time with their families reading the Bible.

As we wrap up the year, we want to remind you to live in a way that is grounded in Him and not filled with hate or discord towards others. We encourage you to not be afraid to live in your purpose and walk in your authority through the power of Jesus Christ.

Tune in to “Church on the Block” every Sunday morning at 10 am est. | 9 am cst. on Holy Culture Radio Sirius XM Channel 154. Don’t forget to to follow our hosts Pastor Phil, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus on Twitter to join the conversation.

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Christmas Traditions [00:01:50] Discussion of Christmas traditions, including family gatherings, gift exchanges, and reading scripture.

Commercialization of Christmas [00:02:43] Exploration of the increasing commercialization of Christmas and its impact on the holiday.

Personal Christmas Traditions [00:03:23] Personal anecdotes about Christmas traditions, including opening one gift before Christmas and attending a family gathering at Auntie Diane’s house.

Family Values [00:05:04] The hosts discuss the importance of family gatherings during Christmas and how it reflects the true meaning of the holiday.

Personal Christmas Traditions [00:06:27] Speaker 0 shares his personal Christmas traditions growing up, which were more focused on selfish desires rather than the true meaning of the holiday.

Service and Gratitude [00:08:31] The hosts talk about incorporating service and gratitude into their Christmas celebrations, including reading scripture, praying for others, and reflecting on what they are grateful for.

Pajama Jam [00:09:24] Discussion of a Christmas Eve tradition where family members wear matching pajamas, watch a movie, and spend time together.

Charlie Brown Christmas [00:10:13] Discussion of the religious message in the Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon and its significance in the hosts’ Christmas traditions.

Visiting Israel [00:13:58] Discussion of the hosts’ recent trip to Israel and how it provided a deeper understanding of the context of Christ’s time.

Insights from Israel [00:15:14] Pastor Jay shares insights from his recent trip to Israel, affirming and reaffirming teachings from scripture.

The Mystery of the Inn [00:15:49] Pastor Jay questions the traditional interpretation of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn in Bethlehem, offering a new perspective on the word used for “inn” in Luke 2:7.

The Kataluma [00:19:19] Pastor Jay describes the kataluma, a typical Jewish home in Bethlehem during Christ’s time, and suggests that Mary and Joseph may have been seeking shelter in a family member’s home rather than a commercial inn.

The Birth of Jesus [00:20:08] The hosts discuss the details of Jesus’ birth, including where he was born and who was present.

Christmas as a Family Holiday [00:21:41] The hosts talk about the importance of family during Christmas and how the story of Jesus’ birth is a reflection of that.

Commercialization of Christmas [00:23:34] The hosts criticize the traditional story of Jesus’ birth being turned into a commercialized holiday and discuss the importance of making room for Jesus in our lives.

The Humble Birth of Jesus [00:25:56] Discussion of the significance of Jesus’ humble birth and how it relates to his story.

The Wise Men and the Shepherds [00:26:15] Explanation of the biblical story of the wise men and the shepherds and their timing in relation to Jesus’ birth.

Challenging Christmas Traditions [00:29:13] Discussion of the discomfort of new possibilities and the need to challenge traditional teachings about Christmas.

The Significance of Biblical Story [00:30:49] The hosts discuss how the commercialization of Christmas does not diminish the significance of Christ’s story.

The Timing of Christ’s Birth [00:32:53] The hosts discuss the likelihood that Christ was not born in December and the circumstances of his birth in Bethlehem.

The Marginalization of Bethlehem [00:34:31] The hosts discuss the poverty and marginalization of Bethlehem, both in Christ’s time and in modern-day Palestine.

Palestinian Territories [00:36:00] Discussion of the economic and social marginalization of Palestinians in Bethlehem and other Palestinian territories.

Poverty in Bethlehem [00:38:30] The hosts discuss the poverty and marginalization present in Bethlehem, despite it being the birthplace of Jesus.

Dividing Wall [00:40:57] The hosts reflect on the significance of a dividing wall between affluence and poverty in the birthplace of Jesus, and the parallels to Jesus’ message of peace.

Political and Religious Dynamics in the Holy Land [00:42:15] The hosts discuss the interwoven nature of politics, religion, and social issues in the Holy Land, particularly in relation to the ownership of the Temple Mount.

Christian Nationalism in America [00:43:46] The hosts talk about the challenges of being a Christian in a political context in America, including the association with anti-abortion and gun ownership.

The Significance of Christ’s Human Experience [00:45:43] The hosts reflect on the human experience of Christ growing up in Palestine and challenge listeners to reflect on the significance of Christmas in their own households.

Queen’s Lesson [00:47:40] A story about a queen teaching her granddaughter a lesson about behavior and how it relates to our actions as children of God.

Living in Your Purpose [00:48:24] The hosts discuss the importance of finding our identity in God and walking in our authority and character through the power of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas and Shalom [00:49:16] The hosts end the episode by wishing their listeners a Merry Christmas and saying “Shalom” in Hebrew.