Igniter Media has a viral hit on its hands. Not only is this quickly making the rounds on YouTube but I think pastors like me are recognizing one of the most powerful retellings of the Christmas story that I have seen in years. I think if there was any question that postmoderns are digital natives and speak their own language, this is proof of it. If you are over 50 and don’t use facebook, this will go right past you. If you are under 40 and facebook is part of your daily life, then the power of the Christmas is going to hit you right between the eyes in your own language. Makes me think we need a facebook bible.
That being said, have a merry Christmas everyone. Wired Jesus is still lurking out there in hopes of podcasts again, so here’s to a new year.
After posting this, I’ve thought about this some more. I have had several people in the congregation I serve send this too me to see what I thought. So far, all have enjoyed it but I know not all will. If there is something that drives home what Len Sweet calls the divide between the digital immigrant and the digital native, this is it. Facebook represents a new language, a new mode of communication that not everyone has learned but within 10 years, it will be a second language to everyone one.
Its always the same old story in the church, no matter the century – Pastor, we want to see new people, young people here and bring them in… Oh, by the way, they need to act, think, and look at life the same way we do. Other than that, do whatever you think is best.
Here is the dilemma for Boomers. Now on their way out of leadership in politics and in local endeavors, including churches, the “me first generation” in both its permutations – the hippie/counter culture and the 80s Religious Right – have to face reality. If the church is going to have a chance with GenX and Millenials (half of which have checked out of the church), Boomers can’t have it their way anymore. Boomers have to learn to share or they will end up like the Shakers of the 19th Century – no children and dead denominations in 20 years.
The great thing about this video and its hope is that even if Boomers kill their version of the Church, God is raising up something new. God speaks all languages, even the ones Boomers reject, and the Church will continue on and speak the Gospel for all to understand, even when some of us don’t want to.