Wild Time



 “It’s the holidays, Let’s get wild!”  Generally this is not a message heard from a church pulpit.  Preachers usually choose other subjects.  Forgiveness, peace, trust, and reconciliation are topics often heard.  Moreover, most people do not associate going to church with “wildness.”  Church potlucks and picnics are meant to be fun but ideally don't go off the rails.  The choir may rattle the rafters at times but preferably refrain from getting too out of control.  Going nutty at church is hopefully only when people add some toppings to their ice cream.  On the contrary, getting "wild" for most, means going a little crazy.  Some like to bounce around the mosh pit at a concert.  Others want to scream their lungs out at a football game. 

Wildness is also not associated with preparing for Christmas.  The holidays are supposed to be filled with peace, warmth and love.  People are to prepare for Christmas by hanging lights, sending cards, and buying gifts.  Caroling, feasting, and family gatherings provide wonderful Holiday cheer.  Preparing for December 25th is a routine we look forward to all year.  However, what if getting ready for the Christ child was more about uncertainty than routine?  Perhaps becoming prepared is more about openness to possibilities?  Maybe we are invited to go "wild."  

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.  Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  (Luke 3:7-9, 15,16 NIV)

Every Advent on our way to celebrating the birth of Jesus, we are encountered by John the Baptist.  He stood dripping wet in the living waters of the Jordan river.  John wore camel’s hair and snacked on locusts and wild honey.  He was not shy to challenge authority or to yell at imposters.  Someone must have forgotten to tell him about church greeting class.  John shouted to anyone who would listen, “REPENT!”  All were invited to examine their lives, be washed clean, and move forward with God.  John was "wild."

The Greek word for repent is “metanoia.” It literally means, “a change of one’s mind or understanding.” For John, baptism is not something to be done over and over again.  It is a transformative event.  Baptism is not akin to every time someone makes a mistake saying, “I’m sorry.”  Instead, John knew his calling was to be an instrument of God’s.  To help the Lord prepare hearts for a deep conversion.  He was to point the way to Jesus.  

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” (Matthew 3:3 NIV)

The wildness that John invited everyone to was becoming aware of our genuine humanity.  Being “wild” is not going bezerk but honestly knowing who we are as God’s children.  We are creatures of the creator, made to live in harmony with the created order.  John called people to examine theimselves before God.  To be in touch with our raw emotions and true soul.  John the Baptist was a man on a wild mission, and he still confronts us every year at this time.  Preparation for the Christ child is always a spiritual process, not a materialistic one.  So, spend more time in prayer.  Take a quiet day.  Ask the Lord for openness to the true gifts God constantly offers.  Take a walk on the “wild” side.

Today is God's Present!


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