The most wonderful time of the year. That’s what we call this, right? As we approach Christmas, the birth of Christ, we become more generous, less self centered, and all that good stuff. The world focuses on “peace on earth and good will towards men.” Even in the midst of “The War to End All Wars,” Christmas brought a pause to the fighting. Soldiers who had been fighting because of their divided nationalities put down their weapons because of their shared humanity. Truly, undeniably, wonderful.
This year, as Christmas approaches, I’m reminded of that event because we had to change the name of “The War to End All Wars.” We wound up calling it World War I because there was, in fact, another war after it. Now, weeks away from Christmas, we have war in Ukraine and war in the Holy Land, and I can’t help thinking about whether or not this is a wonderful time this year or not.
I promise, I’m not trying to make this a bleak post. In fact, in my musings, the answer I came to is that it is, indeed, a wonderful time of the year, at least in one sense. Granted, normally, we say wonderful and we mean full of wonder like a child transfixed on some incredible scene. They are amazed by the newness, by the grandeur, the beauty of the world, and it brings them a deep joy. As of now, a couple weeks before Christmas, my joy levels aren’t setting any records. On the other hand, I’m not in any kind of despair, either.
Instead, I am full of wonder. Humanity is tearing itself apart, sure. Some of our basest instincts of domination, greed, vengeance, and hate are on full display. We’re a colossal mess. But, you know what? Jesus is coming anyway. He isn’t coming because we’re incredible. Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be at our best. He isn’t coming because we’re ready. He’s coming because He loves us and He knows we need Him. This time of year is, and always will be, wonderful regardless of humanity’s behavior in a given year. The physician comes for the sick, not the well.
Leave a Reply