According to Scholastic Books, the U.S. publisher of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 8.3 million copies of the last volume of J.K Rowling's series were sold on Saturday, the first day of the book's release. The latest installment of the film version, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, raked in $32.2 million. It was followed at the box office by Hairspray, which opened with $27.8 million in its first weekend.

Of course, these are two very different stories. However, I believe their success points to two realities in our culture. In the case of the Harry Potter phenomenon, the story resonates with our knowledge that we are destined for something more, something greater. Harry Potter is not just a boy who lost his parents and is mistreated by his aunt and uncle. He is a wizard of great renown, destined to be a major player in an epic battle of good versus evil.

Hairspray, adapted from the Broadway musical that was adapted from the original John Water's film, all of the same title, speaks to a desire in many if not most of us, to reach out to others, even those who are different from us--and to just dance!

Both of these impulses, good and true, are satisfied in discipleship to Christ. In the stories of his teachings and actions, it is clear that Jesus believed we must stand against systems of oppression and injustice--even on a cosmic scale. And in his words and actions, Jesus proclaimed that everyone is invited to the Kingdom party. Everybody gets to dance!