BamBams

We just finished up Palm Sunday for most Christian churches. Whether or not you waved palm branches or displayed palm branches as a part of your decor, or whether you just read about palms, we know about the crowds waving the palm branches when Jesus entered Jerusalem in what is called His Triumphal Entry.

Years ago, and in that place and time I suppose if you really wanted to do something spectacular you waved palm branches. I'm impressed with that. I like seeing that presented in dramatic presentations.

What would be the dynamic equivalent of palm branches in our world? A ticker tape parade? Maybe but I don't know if ticker tapes are still parading.

For sure it wouldn't be BamBams. What are BamBams? They are made in China. They are new and improved. They are easier to inflate. They are, according to the packaging "The Hottest Item in The Sports Promotional Market!"

Last night our church staff went to the Pacers game at Conseco Fieldhouse compliments of a kind member of our faith community. We sat on the end behind the goal. It was fun, and the Pacers won.

Not being a frequent attender of NBA games I was surprised when someone handed everyone in our section a little package the size of a handwarmer. It wasn't a handwarmer, it was BamBams. Free BamBams. They look like sausage shaped balloons only the material they're made out of is a little tougher than balloon material. Of course they displayed the Pacer colors and logos. When the opposing team is shooting a free throw at your end you wave the BamBams and bang them together and they make a most impressive sound. Or when your own team did something especially nice you could bang them together to make a supportive and encouraging bit of noise. Somehow basketball players are able to know a discouraging BamBam from an attaboy BamBam.

Just in case you blow up the BamBams and you're a bit unclear about the art of BamBaming there are very specific instructions on the package that coach you on how to make them perform. I quote, "To Make Noise: Hold the BamBams apart and then hit them together!"

I know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the palm branch is a symbol of peace. There is no way to improve on waving palm branches. However the Bible does say that if the people did not praise Jesus then the rocks would cry out. And if all else fails...imagine singing a song of praise in a church service this Sunday and following it up with the whole congregation BamBaming all over the place? Happy Resurrection Sunday. BamBam, Jesus lives.