By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
Lonnie Wilkey
Over the course of a week, I receive numerous e-mails. And, I check those e-mails faithfully, especially those that I know are from individuals or our associations and churches.
I am always on the lookout for story ideas or suggestions that we can develop for the paper. After all, that is what we do.
But, the overwhelming majority of press releases and messages I receive will never see the light of day in the pages of the Baptist and Reflector. Most really have nothing to do with Baptists or even Christianity in general.
I can normally tell in the subject line if the e-mail is pertinent. A few weeks ago, one of those passed through my inbox and I knew it was nothing we could use, but I could not help myself. I just had to open the e-mail that announced, “Heads Up: Four New Jesus Bobbleheads.”
It was a message from a company that was announcing they had developed four Jesus bobbleheads of all sizes. It noted that if I desire more information, I could send for a press release and photos. Again, I could not help myself. I responded in the affirmative but I stopped short of asking for the free “sample” bobblehead they promised.
The company promptly sent me the press release (I wish I could get things I really need from our churches and ministry partners that quick) and I perused it.
The release noted the bobbleheads of Jesus “have arrived just in time for the holiday season.” When the word “Christmas” was nowhere to be found in the press release, I knew that was a bad sign.
When I read the description of Jesus, there was no doubt. This was driven by a desire for a company to make money. I can’t blame them. They specialize in bobblehead dolls and as I scrolled through their list, it included sports and political personalities and more. I’m not criticizing bobbleheads. Bobbleheads are basically a caricature of famous personalities, primarily in the sports arena. I actually have a few, but Jesus just does not belong in the bobblehead category. While some may disagree with me, I view a Jesus bobblehead as sacrilegious.
And, I’m sure they will sell quite a few of those bobbleheads at $25 each (some cost less depending on size) to well-meaning Christians who see them as the “perfect gift” for their grandma or special aunt.
I’m equally sure that those of us who frequent yard sales and estate sales in the future will find these bobbleheads at a greatly reduced price. Regardless of the cost, that is one item I will not purchase.
Jesus is not a bobblehead. He is the Savior of the world. He deserves and demands respect. And, quite frankly, the photo I saw of the Jesus bobblehead is not flattering to the “Lord of Lords” and “King of Kings.”
During the Christmas season, share the good news of Jesus Christ and let others know that He is our hope and our salvation if we trust and believe in Him and confess our sins. That is who Jesus is. He lives in our hearts and should never be relegated to a bobblehead sitting on a shelf in our homes.
We don’t need a Jesus bobblehead to remind us of who He is. We have His Holy Word. That is all we need — if we read it and apply it to our lives.
On behalf of the staff of the Baptist and Reflector and the entire TBMB communications team, we wish each of our readers a blessed and Merry Christmas! B&R
