Corporations love a theology of Christmas that puts giving at the center. Whether the giving theology of Christmas emphasized the gifts the magi brought to the child, or Jesus as a gift to us from God, both serve all too well the commercial path of giving. The giving theology is exploited by thousands of ads, arousing the sense that we MUST buy something for EVERYONE on “our list.”
Mary sings her solution to the giant inequalities across the Roman Empire in her song of exultation that she’s pregnant. Her solution is redistribution (Luke 1:51-54). It’s far too easy to dismiss her words as visionary and impossible—that they don’t work in current circumstances.
The Jubilee economy has built-in structures of redistribution. These structures ensure that people experience functioning community with economic justice for all. Community “busters” such as land ownership and long-term debt are not permitted in a true Jubilee economy.
John Michno and Jeanne Peterson have been visiting the Farmer’s Market, Lemon Grove for a little over a year. We go nearly every week, buying fresh produce from Rodney and Diane at People’s Produce, a distributor who sources from local neighborhood farms like Mt. Hope Community Garden. A diverse group of vendors welcomes and helps us feel at home.