"5 Things Worth Your Time" is a new series where I share 5 articles, blog posts, videos, columns, books or anything I otherwise find interesting and worth your time. In parenthesis I have included some indicators of how much time each will take to read. "Short Read" = 10 minutes or less. Consequently, "Long Read" = 10 Minutes or longer.
#1 - The Christmas Revolution - New York Times (Short Read)
I know it's a bit late for a Christmas article, but I found it a good and surprising article from the New York Times Op-Ed section about the revolutionary nature of Christmas. The article focuses on the implications of the incarnation, Wehner writes, "We Christians would do well to remind ourselves of the true meaning of the incarnation. We are part of a great drama that God has chosen to be a participant in, not in the role of a conquering king but as a suffering servant, not with the intention to condemn the world but to redeem it." I preached a sermon about a month ago with a similar premise, you can find it here.
#2 - Yearning for Reconciliation - Fuller Magazine (Long Read)
Recent article in Fuller Mag written by the President of Fuller Seminary. A good look at what reconciliation looks like, and how we can take initial steps toward reconciliation. This quote stuck with me for a few days, "Christians are to be those who live converted to the hope of reconciliation in Christ. Conversion is the ongoing, reality-orienting transformation centered in our Lord that changes life here and now."
#3 - Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates (Book)
Can't recommend this book enough. Coates is a leading voice in writing about race in America. This book is an open letter to his son written as a memoir of his life growing up black in America. Having grown up in largely homogenous communities, I found it to be an eye-opening read. It is a highly acclaimed book that reads quickly but with much depth.
#4 - Underwater Internet - vox.com (3-Min Video)
I found this video fascinating! Spoiler alert: Apparently the vast majority of our internet is carried around the world through cabling that runs on the ocean floor. The article also has a few maps that visually depict the cables running around and between continents, pretty crazy!
#5 - How the Government Underestimated the Extent of Income Inequality - The Atlantic (Short Read)
Regardless of your political stance on income inequality, this is an interesting piece about the effect our tax system has on the seeming collapse of the social security system. Would love your thoughts on this column.