Introductions

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:


I’ve experienced a “UCC Introduction” as Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister presents it. Da Vita puts on some loud, excitement-building music and then starts the electrifying announcement.

• “She is . . . . (insert something that describes the person being announced – maybe like . . .) the blogger who writes both day AND night!”
• “He has . . . (insert something about the person’s age, grade level, or experience in doing what they do – maybe like. . . ) been part of our community for 30 years – always greeting everyone with a smile!
• “She is . . . . (something that endears the person to the crowd – maybe like . . . ) a tireless advocate for human rights”
• Please welcome . . . (shout out their name with excitement!) Chris Joshuaf!

The crowd cheers wildly as the guest runs into the room – jumping up and down with exuberance – sharing ‘high-fives’ with the cheering crowd and finally running up to the front to begin whatever comes next.

This week’s Bible reading from John 1:29-42 reminds me of one of those “UCC Introductions.”

John sees Jesus and then John begins with the crowd engergizing ritual:

• He is . . . the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
• He is . . .the one who is ahead of me because he came before me!
• He had . . . the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove!
• Please welcome . . . the Son of God – Jesus!
  

(And the crowd erupts in cheers and applause as Jesus runs in.)

I know that it didn’t likely go that way with John and Jesus – but this was still a big deal. John, who I think was, in some way, a rival of Jesus as a preacher and teacher, (Yes -- even though they were second cousins and probably knew each other as children) was beginning to pass the torch on to the one who was going to continue God’s work. John was readying himself to step back from the spotlight and to show all that Jesus is the one.

What are your thoughts?