REBEL OF CHRISTMAS

The death of the Rebel Jesus

This is an unlikely Christmas song written from the perspective of a non-believer,and for all that is a very powerful corrective to the 'mild and holy' brigade who would still consign Jesus to His infant status , as a cooing baby in a cosy crib. At this time of year it is easy to forget that Jesus was a thorn in the side of the religious cant and hypocrisy of His day, and for His pains He ended up on a cross. They don't crucify well-meaning do- gooders as a rule ,usually that fate is reserved for the perceived Rebel and Revolutionary..." But if any one of us should interfere / In the business of why there are poor / They get the same as the rebel Jesus. " The song was written by Jackson Browne and first appeared on The Chieftains album The Bells of Dublin in 1991. The Rebel Jesus is a welcome change from the usual musical slush that prevails at this time of year, and confronts us with some awkward questions as to the implications of Jesus' life and mission for us today.You are unlikely to hear this one booming out as you trek the shopping malls this year, so if you want to rectify that, learn the song and sing it at full throttle as you go ! -GOSh.

THE REBEL JESUS

All the streets are filled with laughter and light

And the music of the season

And the merchants' windows are all bright

With the faces of the children

And the families hurrying to their homes

While the sky darkens and freezes

Will be gathering around the hearths and tables

Giving thanks for God's graces

And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Well they call him by 'the Prince of Peace'

And they call him by 'the Savior'

And they pray to him upon the seas

And in every bold endeavor

And they fill his churches with their pride and gold

As their faith in him increases

But they've turned the nature that I worship in

From a temple to a robber's den

In the words of the rebel Jesus

Well we guard our world with locks and guns

And we guard our fine possessions

And once a year when Christmas comes

We give to our relations

And perhaps we give a little to the poor

If the generosity should seize us

But if any one of us should interfere

In the business of why there are poor

They get the same as the rebel Jesus

Now pardon me if I have seemed

To take the tone of judgement

For I've no wish to come between

This day and your enjoyment

In a life of hardship and of earthly toil

There's a need for anything that frees us

So I bid you pleasure

And I bid you cheer

From a heathen and a pagan

On the side of the rebel Jesus

Jackson Browne