A little bit?
At our church communion is served by intinction. People come forward and there is a serving station with one person holding a plate with small pieces of bread and another person holding a chalice. The people take a piece of bread, dip it into the cup, eat it, and return to their seats.
On a recent communion Sunday, upon arriving at the serving station, a congregant commented, “I just want a little bit.” Considering the piece of bread is usually about the size of a peanut and can’t hold much juice when dipped, what is “a little bit”? It seems that everyone only gets a little bit. Why would someone want to be sure to get just a little bit of a little bit?
Is the message, I only want a little bit – of Jesus? Like, I can only take a small dose of this Christianity thing? I’m not too sure about this; maybe just a little to see what it is like? Not too much, though. “I only want a little bit.” Maybe.
But I like another way of seeing this. I only want a little bit. Because that’s all it takes. You only need a little bit. Of this Jesus thing. This Christianity. This Gospel. A little goes a long way. It makes a huge difference. Only a little bit and everything is affected. I just want a little bit because that will make all the difference.
Maybe this is good way to think about Christmas. Instead of thinking of all of our manifold plans and parties, remember that it only takes a little bit. Just a little bit of Christmas can go a long way. Make a huge difference. Be transforming. Just a little bit – of Jesus. It’s all we need to turn our lives right side up and leave us singing. We only need a little bit of Christmas. That’s all it takes.
Prayer
In a world where we always want more, we are drawn to Jesus and with him a little is enough. May we look for a glimmer, a morsel, a hint of the holy for that is all we need. Love is potent and in plentiful supply at Christmas and all year long! Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 