Merry Christmas! In today's episode, Bishop Barron walks us through the second chapter of Luke's Gospel, which recounts the birth of Jesus. As we see, this story is far from a safe, charming fairy tale. It tells the story of a new king, one who rivals the kingship of Caesar Augustus at every turn. A listener asks what St. John of the Cross meant by "the divine sweetness." Topics Discussed 0:04 • - Introduction: The fires of Southern California 2:40 • - Why is "subversive" a good word for the Nativity narrative? 4:40 • - What is the importance of the census in the Christmas story? 6:40 • - Why does Luke begin the story by mentioning the great figures of the time? 8:00 • - What is the significance of the "line of David"? 9:55 • - What is the symbolic nature of there being no room at the inn, Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes, and Jesus being placed in a manger? 18:08 • - What's the significance of the angels and shepherds? 25:50 • - How were the Gospel writers spiritual and literary masters? 27:35 • - Listener question: How do we dialogue with someone who creates their own personal religion?