I have no interest in promoting the annual Christmas culture wars, but I feel that the conversation around the "two Josephs" Nativity scene deserves additional comment. I like the Rev. John Kiley and hold him in high regard. In fact, his recent comments in The Providence Journal regarding the two Josephs Nativity (“No need to change meaning of the Christmas story,” letter, Dec. 14) actually support the point I was trying to make recently (“Don’t dismiss idea of two Josephs,” Commentary, Dec. 8).

He rightly points out that Biblical account of the Nativity goes out of the way to bring to center stage those who lived at the margins of society. Shepherds were not quaint members of society in Jesus’ day, but a rather roguish element of the cultural mix. The Nativity narrative emphasizes that it was to these folks that the good news is first announced.

The question is: Will we allow ourselves to be challenged by the transcendent truth emerging from that narrative? If God went to such measures to include the marginalized, what does that mean for our approach and attitude regarding the meaning of the Nativity in 21st century America? Can the amazing inclusiveness exhibited by God in the Nativity narrative find expression in our relationship with members of the LGBTQ community, or how we approach race relations? For those of us who consider ourselves Christian, let us have the courage to allow God’s Spirit to teach us new ways to express God’s amazing love.

The Rev. Don Anderson

Providence

The writer is executive minister for the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.