Hi everyone,
Holy Smokes!
I am likely dating myself but my Dad always used to say that when something remarkable happened. “Holy smokes, look at that!” It could be an amazing play on the ice, it could be a lightening strike, it could be a sunset, it could be a big fish, it could be an explosion. Good, bad, but never indifferent. Holy Smokes!
That expression came to mind on my commute this week as the wildfire smoke closed the Coquihalla Highway and the lower mainland is drenched in smoke. Not particularly holy, but definitely smoky. Did you know that the expression “holy smokes” actually comes from the bible and from church? It comes from the ancient Hebrew Temple and the alter of the Holy of Holies. It comes from the incense that emitted from the sensor which anointed holy places and holy moments in worship. These awesome moments when, good, bad, but never indifferent, you felt close to God because someone had died, or someone was born, or someone gave their life to ministry, or the community was remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. “Holy smokes” meant we have come close to the power of God and the edge of life, and we feel small, and amazed. “Holy smokes” is a wide-eyed wonder statement.
This Sunday is Welcome Back Sunday and worship revolves around Psalm 139. This ancient song sings of the holiness of life and how God is in the middle of it all. We will celebrate the awesomeness of each person, the wonder of life, and the thrill of coming back together as a community. Come be part of a “holy smokes” moment together as we begin a new season together.
And plan to stay for the welcome back barbeque.
Blessings, Will