Christmas has always been a very special time for me ever since I was a very young child. I probably believed in Santa far longer than many of my age group, and quite frankly, I am forever grateful that I did. Believing in the magic of St. Nick for a couple more years was certainly not detrimental to me.
Growing up in and now having my own family of very faithful and practicing Christians, we are constantly reminded of the “reason for the season.” I understand the prompt. In fact, I truly appreciate the prompting. However, somehow, it still bothers me. It is actually difficult for me to articulate, but I will try…
I completely understand and agree with many people of faith’s angst with the commercialization of Christmas and the dilution of the true meaning of Christ’s birth. The phenomenon is real and is certainly something we should remind our children (and even ourselves) about.
Yet, somehow, I can’t help but think that the God I believe in and serve is far, far above such a small and nuanced distinction.
Instead, for clarity and enlightenment, I turn to Matthew 22:36-40:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”. 37 Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I personally believe Christmas is not only a time to contemplate the greatest commandment, Christ’s birth, and the Good News, but also to remember to love our neighbors as ourselves. Even, and especially, those who get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas…
Or are not quite as pious or reverent as we believe they should be… Or who are nonbelievers.
How we honor God has infinite application because He is infinite. It’s the reason He gave us free will.
God’s love is so remarkable because He loves us, not for who we are, but in spite of who we are. No matter what we’ve done, God still loves us. As sinners who have broken God’s commandments, we deserve His anger rather than His love. But God loves us so much that instead of turning His back on us, He turns His face towards us. Two thousand years ago, His love provided a gift only He could give.
But God gave His son to take our punishment. Begotten means “one of a kind.” Jesus Christ is God’s unique son. He is perfect. Christ is our substitute. On a cross two thousand years ago, He died for our sins. As God, He came back to life, proving He had conquered sin and death once and for all… That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus isn’t here just for the righteous, the well-behaved, or the orthodox; He’s here for every single one of us. All we need to do is ask. This is the Good News. This, in my opinion, is the meaning of Christmas. Instead of feeling uneasy with the way others may not appreciate the season like I do, I trust in HIM to use it ALL for HIS plan.
This allows me to enjoy it… “Warts and all” … Because I already know how it ends. And that truly is the greatest news of all.
Merry Christmas!
Coach Wolforth, the Wolforth family, and the Ranch staff
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Important TBR Updates
- Limited Spots Remain for our Winter Elite Pitchers Boot Camps. You can visit our website to learn more and register. We hope to see you at one of these camps!
– December 27-29, 2023 (You can grab 1 of the 2 remaining spots)
– January 13-15, 2024 (Only 1 spot available)
– February 17-19, 2024 (final camp until May)
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