Few scriptural images stand more sharply in contrast to the ethos of a consumer Christmas than that of John the Baptist. I have heard recently of at least one church group setting up an Advent “station” in a shopping mall, offering a welcome (to some) respite from the buying frenzy. If that is what we consider a radical response to the co-opting of the Nativity, imagine the reaction of shoppers to John the Baptist, in camel hair, standing at the gate to Santa’s village, workshop, etc., demanding the preparation of the Lord’s way. “Take a bath and get a job!” It should be no surprise that these words directed at Occupy Wall Street Protesters might just as suitably (in the view of those issuing the insult) be hurled the Baptizer.
While in no way wanting to equate the message and tactics of OWS with the mission of John, there are some parallels. Disrupting the status quo is not for the faint of heart. It is, however, precisely that disruption which the prophets and the Gospel announce and we are called to give it voice in our words and actions as disciples of the one to whom John pointed – the disrupter-in-chief – Jesus.
So what is this disruptive message we are challenged to share with the world? Happiness, and more especially, love, cannot be bought or earned. We are not saved by a vibrant consumer economy or by any other thing that we can make, earn, or manipulate. The only gift necessary has already been purchased at great price and it is graciously given.
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