Coming second is an experience most people have probably shared. It happens all the time. Coming second in sports competitions, coming second in an interview for a job, coming second in another’s affections, coming second in a school exam, coming second in a card game — a common phrase from childhood was “you can’t be top in everything”.
Andy and I have recently watched the latest series of The Crown depicting the British royal family. Watching it I keep in mind that this is not history, but entertainment and it is a mistake to accept it as factual. Nevertheless, it does show the harm caused to those in the family who by birth order were coming second.
I wonder if somehow the whole of society has been encultured into thinking of life as a huge competition with winners or losers, success or failure, coming first or coming second. It would be a hard task to change thinking that is so deeply embedded.
It was pondering about John the Baptizer that inspired me to muse on coming second. I wondered if all his life he had felt he was coming second. Mary and Elisabeth obviously shared a close relationship. John must have grown up knowing the story of his cousin Jesus’ birth —a younger cousin at that. I wondered, what must that have felt like? Did it feel like a shadow over him? Did John feel he was coming second? Did he feel as the elder he should have been the more prominent?
Of course, these are questions that have no possible answer — they are merely my ponderings.
The text today starts by saying that John was not the light merely bearing witness to the light. John also clearly stated he was not the Messiah nor a prophet of old. John knew exactly who he was. Coming second had not spoilt his life or allowed bitterness or worthlessness to creep in. John seems to have found a freedom in coming second. John knew his role and the importance of it. John had a voice and used it to proclaim rightness. I think John is a great example of how to live.
Today is Gaudet Sunday, the mid-point of Advent when the pink candle is lit as a reminder that there is joy even in the midst of a serious season of watching and waiting. This year, this Advent finding joy is especially important. Maybe, this year has felt a bit like coming second. This has become especially noticeable around this Christmas time when plans have been changed and expectations lowered. Perhaps, a little motto for Christmas 2020 should be — look for joy, find Joy, share Joy.
I like to think of John standing in the midst of the crowds proclaiming “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness” with his face radiating joy as he heralds events to come.
