The text makes clear that the Messiah is concerned with justice, especially for the poor. We don't have much time to think of the poor in the weeks leading up to Christmas, what with all the money we wildly spend (on gifts that most recipients won't use or care much about this time next year). We are inclined to overlook U.S. Census Bureau statistics indicating that while 1 in 7 Americans live in poverty, only 1 in 8 whites endure this fate while 1 in 4 black Americans are impoverished. The evils of poverty are clearly exacerbated by such racial injustice.
