Chip Shots

The irony is this: John the Baptist called the people to “Prepare the way for the Lord,” but he was totally unprepared himself when Jesus showed up. “I should be baptized by you,” John said, “not you by me!” He only consented when Jesus insisted that it was the right thing to do. We can’t blame John for being confused. After all, like everyone else, he expected a conquering Messiah who would defeat the Romans and restore Israel to its former glory. Instead, Jesus came as a suffering Messiah who would defeat evil and restore creation to its future glory. John could not have known this at the time. Indeed, much about Jesus’ Advent was only cryptically revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. It took his death and resurrection to convince people that Jesus was, in fact, God’s Anointed Deliverer. In the meantime, like most everyone else, John found Jesus’ ministry surprising and confusing. To his credit, however, he was willing to do what Jesus said despite his questions. He baptized ...

Ouch! My back hurts. I just finished installing 220 luminarias on our roof and around the perimeter our home. It’s been a family Christmas tradition since 1991. It began as a tribute to childhood memories of placing luminarias around my uncle’s house in Moon Valley every Christmas Eve. Besides, I thought luminarias were more beautiful and serene than the garish flashing lights I saw elsewhere. I still think so. We began with twenty bags placed on either side of our driveway. Every year afterward we added ten bags, extending our collection until today, when it virtually covers our home. A neighbor walked by while I was on the roof, saying, “It always feels like Christmas is here when I see the luminarias on your house.” I feel the same way, although sometimes I wonder if it is worth it. After all, my back is really sore! But I know that time spent in preparation for Christmas enhances the joy of its celebration. You probably have similar holiday traditions. As I write...