Musings "Jesus, Home for the Holiday's?"

For the first time in almost a year I've had to take a sick day. It's kinda nice, because it's giving me more time to rest, but it's also frustrating, because I'm tired and don't feel good, so I"m not doing anything. Sigh, moving on.

As part of my "quiet time" I've been reading a book I was loaned called "The Emotionally Healthy Church" by Someone or Other. In it the author lists Jesus' emotions recorded in the New Testament  As I was reading this one phrase caught my attention. "He was furious at the crass commercialism in the temple (John 2:13-17)" p. 79.

The phrasing is awesome, "crass commercialism".

But it got me thinking, if Jesus was ticked enough to drive people out of the temple because of their "crass commercialism" what would He do with our Holiday's today? Specifically Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas.

I realize there is a difference. Most Churches don't sell Easter candy, or Christmas decorations, on the front steps saying "you need this to worship properly". But what about Easter egg hunts and bunny suites? Would He laugh and be like "Dude, you're in a pink rabbit costume, that's ridiculous " Would He help little kids find the eggs? Would He like the balloons or Broadway acts of the Macy 's parade best? Would He watch football? Would He dress up like Santa and hear the wishes of children?

Or would He be disgusted by the commercialism and sweep things off store shelves, shattering ornaments and lights? Would He weep because we're lost in busyness and we just don't get it? Would He publicly chastise us and call us to repent?

Truthfully, I don't know. I kinda think He'd do all of those and more. Laugh and participate with joy, correct and admonish where needed, weep where there's pain and darkness. But mostly I think He would want to hang out. Spend the day with the family, meet us where we're at. Maybe help serve the food and wash dishes. Maybe get a game of two-hand touch going in the afternoon.

On Sunday's the sign at Hilmar Lumber switches from the normal advertising, to messages from God, if you will. One that's been up there for years is something like, "Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage. -God".

Thing is, inviting Him can be risky. As Mr. Beaver says, "It's not like He's a tame lion." What if He does decide to "drive out the money changers"? Would we be able to show our face in public again? 

This unpredictable wildness can make it hard to interact with Him. Making Him that relative no one really wants around, but is extended the invitation out of obligation. But that's not what He wants. He's not a prize to be stuffed and hung above the mantle. 

What do I think He would do about our Holiday's if He were here? I think He'd show up green-bean-casserole in hand saying, "Hey, You invited me. I'm here. I showed up, so don't ignore me. Let's hang out, eat some food, catch up on life and go from there."

And if we do that, the rest will fall into place.