I’ve often been struck this time of year by the contrast between the image of John the Baptist presented to the Church each year on the Second Sunday of Advent and that of the shopping mall Santa Claus who has such a draw on the popular imagination this time of year. I’m not referring to the ancient St. Nicholas, but to his contemporary expression. Honestly, I don’t have anything against Santa Claus. There is though, a lesson to be learned as we compare Santa with The Baptist and hopefully realize that we need them both.
A popular way of speaking of the Reign of God initiated in Christ is to say that it is both now and not yet.
Our chubby well fed and warmly dressed Santa Claus, bringing gifts with a hearty Ho! Ho! Ho! is the rich symbol of all the grace available to us, even now, as free gift through faith in Jesus Christ.
John is a potent symbol of God’s sovereign rule not yet fully realized. His gaunt frame is a reminder of all for which we still hunger. John reminds us that while we have been made righteous in Christ we are still sinners and in need of repentance.
It’s unlikely that John the Baptist will be replacing or even joining Santa Claus at the local shopping mall anytime soon. All the more important then, that we embrace his image and message as he comes to us this Second Sunday of Advent.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment