J is for Jesus in Bono’s alphabet.
The singer took to U2’s website to break down the ABC’s of 2014 and included everything from expletives to pop culture icons to Nobel-winning inspirations, adding the Son of God into the mix of it:
“The Christmas story has a crazy good plot with an even crazier premise—the idea goes, if there is a force of love and logic behind the universe, then how amazing would it be if that incomprehensible power chose to express itself as a child born in [expletive] and straw poverty. …
“But back to the Christmas story that still brings me to my knees—which is a good place for me lest I harm myself or others. Christmas is not a time for me to overthink about this child, so vulnerable, who would grow so strong … to teach us all how vulnerability is the route to strength and, by example, show us how to love and serve. To me this is not a fairy tale but a challenge. I preach what I need to hear … “
Bono crafted the list while on painkillers for an exercise injury, and sees the list as his reflections of the last year, a chance to honor those he values.