Gallons of Wine

John 2:1-11
And on the third day, Jesus changed water into wine. Woo-hoo, time for a drink. But, but, but - the pastor in me says. This is just wrong. Why in the world is Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John about wine and saving face for a couple at a wedding feast. This isn't life or death, this isn't a healing or the radically anti-norm social statement that I have come to expect from Jesus. This is just an embarassment of lack of proper planning for the family of the bride.

However, after discussion with several friends and a Wednesday morning Bible study, I wonder. Is that not the point? Isn't the point that Jesus does work in the mundane and the everyday. Jesus can work with old vessels to bring joy to our everyday lives. No matter the setting. One of love where the snitty politics of social setting threaten to ruin the day and send the party away from us. A seemingly unimportant miracle is not only loaded with symbolism about the coming resurrection on the third day, but is also a reminder to us to find joy in the everyday normal routines of our lives. Let Jesus' miracles in.

We are not good at this. I am top of the heap of cynics often expecting the worst so that I will be happily surprised. Can we change our lives as we begin a new year? Can we begin to expect the miracle in the everyday? How about just looking for the joy. Whether we celebrate with parties and wine or in another way - how do we bring the joy of Jesus into our lives?

How do we bring joy into our worship? I think that joy is one of the last adjectives that many would think of when they ponder or describe Sunday morning worship. Yet, we claim "It is our greatest joy to worship God!" How can we claim this and then come in a somberly sit in pews in silence. Many worship differently, and more power to you. Maybe you have it right. Regardless, there is still something to be said for letting more joy in - the joyful feast should be a happy celebration of resurrection and Jesus' sacrifice for us.

As a Presbyterian in a traditional setting, perhaps I have the furthest to go in adding joy. But I am up to the challenge. If Jesus can 'waste his time' on a miracle to guarantee the party goes on no matter what vessels he has to use, then surely we can bring at least a little more joy into our daily lives and into our worship lives.

Look for the miracle, expect it, take joy in it!

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