By Anna Ram.
Is God Exclusionary or Inclusive?
This questioning is debatable. Whether God is seen as exclusionary or inclusive often depends on individual beliefs, interpretations of religious texts, and the teachings of specific religious communities. It’s a deeply personal and nuanced question that invites a range of perspectives such as: Different interpretations, cultural context, philosophical views and also Covenant relationships with specific religions, such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity, which make him appear exclusionary.
Who Can Be Exclusionary?
Religiosity: Jesus position was clearly strong against the religiosity of the pharisees and their hypocrisy because their practice and teachings excluded those he came to save.
You and Me: Our Decisions. (here are some Jesus’ statements speaking to his disciples)
John 3:16, states: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:18“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (NIV)
Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (NIV)
Luke 10:16: “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Matthew 10:14-15: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” (NIV)
John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (NIV)
What Kind of People God Included at Jesus’ Birth?
God chose ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. The main actors were chosen because of their holy dedicated life, such as:
Mary and Joseph: We know who Mary was…a pure, obedient and a worshipper young woman. Joseph was a descendant from King David and this fulfilled the geographical origin and lineage of family of Jesus in the prophesy.
Elizabeth and Zachariah: Barren couple, holy, full of the Spirit, and dedicated in the temple who conceived John the Baptist at an old age and raise the babyto prepare the way and proclaim the coming of Jesus.
Simeon and Anna: In the Gospel of Luke, Simeon and Anna are two elderly figures who recognize Jesus as the Messiah when he is presented at the Temple. Their acknowledgment of Jesus further emphasizes that God’s promise is fulfilled in him and that he is a light for all nations.
Angels: The angels play a crucial role in announcing the birth of Jesus to both the shepherds and Mary. They serve as messengers of God, emphasizing the divine nature of the event and the joy it brings to all people.
Other Important People Included
The Wise Men. Why the Wise Men?
They had wealth and science and wisdom in their hands, were intellectual people. The wise men were likely scholars or priests from ancient places, knowledgeable in astrology, astronomy, and possibly other sciences. Read this beautiful story in Matthew 2
Matthew 2:11 (ESV) states:
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Jesus was already in a house.)
Their visit symbolizes the recognition of Jesus’ significance beyond the Jewish, indicating that his message was meant for all people. Tradition gave them names and deducted that were 3 people because 3 different types of gift were brought to Jesus: Gold (royalty and wealth), frankincense, a fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes, often associated with worship and divinity, and resin, used historically for embalming and as a perfume. These gifts highlight different aspects of Jesus’ identity: his kingship, divinity, and humanity, as well as the significance of his life and mission.
The Wise men came in town causing a great disturbance because they were not only 3 guys in camels.
Bible prophesy says in Isaiah 60:6 “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” are generally associated with the following geographical areas:
- Midian: This region is often identified with the northwestern part of modern-day Saudi Arabia, particularly around the area of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is also sometimes associated with parts of southern Jordan.
- Ephah: Ephah is less clearly defined, but it is often thought to be a region or tribe associated with the Midianites. Some scholars suggest it may refer to a specific area within Midian or a nearby region.
- Sheba: Sheba is commonly associated with the area of modern-day Yemen, particularly the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It was known for its wealth and trade, especially in spices and incense.
The Shepherds: Why the Shepherds? (mostly poor workers, protecting the flock from danger, used to darker and cold nights and spending much time alone to meditate in God, in the open, in the nature).
Shepherds’ presence in the Nativity story highlights themes of humility, divine revelation, and the universal significance of Jesus’ birth. They had a role to witnessing and to tell the story. They were also a connection to Old Testament. King David was a shepherd before he became king. This connection adds depth to the narrative, linking Jesus to the lineage of David and fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah.
The Community of Bethlehem: While not explicitly detailed in the Nativity accounts, the presence of the community in Bethlehem during the census (citizen and all the ex-pats), also plays a role in the story, as they witness the events surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Excluded People?
Yes. Maybe the king Herod and his governmental apparatus and army who try to kill Jesus all the time. They had the chance to be instrumental at the right moment but were spiritually blind and full of themselves. So, they missed out on the opportunity and became bad actors. This is because government will never be the solution to spiritual problems in our societies. We should have learned that lesson already.
For those who want to be included and not excluded from God’s plan and purposes, we are and feel included, not letting our faith and gift of grace and salvation be taken away by any means. For those who feel excluded or exclude themselves because feel offended, rejected and excluded by others, I invite you to reconsider your choice and decision.
Who Wants To Be Included?
If your decision is “I want to be included”, say this prayer with me: “Dear God, today I make my decision to be included in your list of salvation, in your promises, your purpose and plan for me and in your coming, and eternal life. I acknowledge you as the Son of God and repent from my sins. Please forgive me. Thank you.”
As simple as that…is just through confession and by faith. If you have said it with your mouth and believed it in your heart… Congratulations, you are in! Now, read your Bible.
Merry Christmas to you and family, and have a blessed 2025 Year.
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