December 1, 2016 – 23 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

You know, it has been fun scouring the internet looking for strange and unusual Christmas decorations and ornaments, and if you look hard enough, the internet does not disappoint. So, I present to you the “Banana Santa”. If you look really hard at the tag – you might be able to see that this ornament costs $33.00. If you are willing to pay $33.00 for a Christmas ornament that most people will say “Do you see what I see?”, then the Banana Santa Christmas Ornament is just up your alley. And hey, I am just trying to plant the seed and “peel” away your efforts for an unusual Christmas holiday.

In Matthew’s text, we hear the parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable occurs in three of the Gospels. In Matthew’s version, the seed in planted in a…field… and becomes the greatest of shrubs and a tree – in Mark’s version (Mark 4:30 – 32) the seed is planted in the…ground…and becomes the greatest of all shrubs – and in Luke’s version (Luke 13:18 – 19) the seed is sowed in the…garden…and becomes a tree. What can we discern from these differences, if anything? Does it matter to us that the seed is sown in three different places? Or, should we focus more on the aspect that great things can come from even the smallest of items so as not to dismiss those around us who seem to have little or the smallest of faith? Or is it more intriguing to consider that even those around us who might act like weeds (like pests who are not easily dismissed) can still be sources of hope, safety and comfort for those in need of such care? Whatever we decide, this parable can teach us important lessons – even weeds can become tools to teach – even the discarded of our society can grow to become teachers of the faith – and sources of comfort and peace. And even a “Banana Santa” can help us celebrate the birth of the Christ Child (I guess).

Pastor Dave