Adult Object Lesson: Advent A-3 (Isaiah 35:1-10)
Christmas Is Coming When You Hear the Ads!
Today’s object is a Chia pet—you know the Christmas commercials for the terracotta figures that when watered quickly sprout chia plants. They come in several models — everything from puppies that look like sheep to Ninja Turtles, Mickey Mouse and even President Obama. They are inexpensive novelty gifts.
Chia is an interesting plant. It is native to Mexico and grown commercially throughout South America. It is rich in good things like protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese and low in bad things like fat and sodium. It may help control hunger and blood pressure.
But none of this has anything to do with why we hear the commercials at Christmas time and buy the planters for fun gifts.
It’s all about watching plants suddenly growing and blossoming from seemingly nowhere. Frequently all the good that can come from chia seeds is lost on us.
Make this point and then reread today’s Old Testament lesson.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
Chia plants are not such a far-fetched Advent gift after all!