Happy Christmas! A lot of folks are sending me this story, so a few quick thoughts. First, I’m honored and pleased that Bishop Budde quoted me in her (excellent) sermon. She’s one of the best preachers I know. chasingchurches.com/2018/12/25/pre…
Second, I’m glad she didn’t change her message of God’s love for the marginalized, and specifically refugees (among whom are counted the holy family), just because the president was in the room. That takes courage.
Third, as @jackmjenkins notes, this message was not inappropriately political. There are millions of Christians in this country who believe the Bible teaches hospitality to refugees & immigrants and who see in the incarnation God making a home among the marginalized.
The whole thing reminds me of the time Trump made a surprise visit to a Mainline church on the campaign trail and was totally thrown off to hear the actual gospel preached. I wrote about that here: rachelheldevans.com/blog/donald-tr…
So while Trump enjoys nearly uncritical adulation from white evangelicals, who have (IMO) set aside biblical teachings regarding morality, salvation, & justice to align with power, preachers & prophets like Budde keep on preachin’ the same gospel.
Finally, here’s the quote used in the sermon in context. It’s from my latest book, “Inspired.” 
