Sunday, March 1, 2009

Mark 1:9-15

Let every heart, prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.
--Isaac Watts

Those familiar words from “Joy to the World” seem out of place in Lent. Those are songs for Christmas. Christmas is a season for celebration. Lent is a time for reflection. Is it appropriate to celebrate in the midst of this journey to the cross? I believe so, but it is important to know what we celebrate.

When we come to worship, is it a time to reflect on our own goodness, or the goodness of God in our lives? Are our celebrations no more than “I’m okay, you’re okay,” or do they really invite into thinking about God’s written, spoken, and sung word? Do we celebrate ourselves or do we celebrate the Source.

Nothing happens in a vacuum. As people gathered around Jesus at his baptism, the heavens split in two. God’s presence was felt by those gathered. And the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness to reflect. The abruptness of Mark leaves much out. However, it shows that there is work to be done not only for Christ’s coming, but on the journey that leads to the cross.

God’s grace is not possible without a sinner. God’s love is not shared unless there are unloved. God’s salvation is not possible without a savior. The resurrection is nothing without the cross.

Prayer: God, help us to prepare our hearts not only for your coming, but for our obedience. Amen.