This week, I read an NPR article defending Groundhog Day’s weirdness. Overall, I liked it, but it said, “Groundhog Day is the only popular American holiday that explicitly celebrates our relationship with nature and reliance on the delicate balance of the seasons.” Which… sure. That sentence belongs in an NPR article.
I think we should celebrate Groundhog Day just because it is bizarre and fun. Where else besides at Bucee’s are people so energized by a rodent? Who wears top hats anymore besides the Punxsutawney Phil’s “Inner Circle”. Yes, there are called the “Inner Circle.” They wear tuxedos too and their president speaks “Groundhogese” because of a magic cane. Remarkably, this is the same Phil from the first ceremony in 1887. Of course, we must remember this is about the groundhog predicting the seasons via his shadow. Also, Phil’s home is called Gobbler’s Knob. As producers say when a show is perfect… No notes!
I’m not sure Groundhog Day has any significance for us living with the rhythm of the seasons, but every community is sustained by little joys, especially ridiculous ones. Families and friends can spark laughing fits by referencing a decades old joke. I even think God uses this kind of joy to sustain the church.
Did the disciples stay together and stick with Jesus because of all the moving “mountaintop moments”? Maybe, but I’ve always thought about the small moments we catch glimpses of in scripture. The disciples and Jesus grilling around a campfire. Dancing and drinking at a wedding. Getting caught sneaking some snacks off the crops they walked through. God binds us together with small moments of ridiculous joy, like memories of youth groups and potlucks, or celebrating a silly rodent.
So what does a 140 year old rodent have to do with the seasons? Absolutely nothing. Speaking for myself, I’m looking forward to six more weeks of winter and a lifetime of Christian community. See you Sunday!
Pastor Luke