Merry Christmas

Tonite, something of a miracle has occurred in the great state of Texas.  It's covered in a blanket of new snow.  And not just icy, nasty snow.  It's actually beautiful, white, drifting snow.  For the first time since 1926, the people of the Dallas area will have a white Christmas. 

I would be willing to gamble, that for most people, this snow is nothing more than a long-awaited childhood dream.  For the first time in two generations, children of all ages will enjoy the soft white blanket of snow on Christmas day.  For me it means much more.  If you keep up with the blog, you've recently read a "poem" I drafted over a year ago regarding just such a snow.  It took me over a year to share that script publicly, and now outside my window is a new blanket of snow.  For me it's a sign of newness, of a fresh start, of a clean slate on which to etch a new trail.  Be careful which step you take first.  Others may follow.

Having said all that, I find it interesting that I'm reflecting this year on the meaning of Christmas.  Admittedly, this year has not been without emotional challenges and the fact that I'm writing at my table on Christmas Eve is testimony to those challenges.  I'm not complaining.  I have much to be grateful for.  So again, if you keep up with these meager ramblings, you know by now that I'm no longer a Christian.  I'm Agnostic, or as someone dear to me would argue, I'm Gnostic.  I'm still researching that one.  If you read along you ALSO know that I'm a little opinionated and like a good argument, be it regarding politics or religion.  Tonite, I don't care to argue that.  You see, it really doesn't matter whether you're Christian, or Muslim, or Buddhist, or Atheist.  It doesn't even matter whether or not you believe the story of Christmas.  It is without question, one of the greatest stories ever told.  It's a story of a father's love, of peace, of forgiveness, of redemption.  It's a story of hope. It's a story of one of the greatest teachers of all time:  Jesus, the Christ. Surely we can all agree on that.  Here's my version.

Before the time of Christ, we had the Ten Commandments.  These were essentially Old Testament (or old covenant, old contract if you will) rules.  You remember.  These are amazing guidelines brought down to the people of Israel from Mount Sanai that no one seems to live up to.  I know I never could.  I believe this is where the phrase "etched in stone" probably originated.  But these were God's rules and you had to follow them or atone for your sins by sacrificing a goat, etc.  OR....there was always Hell.  Again I wish to not debate that entire scenario.  Those were the rules......God's rules.  But alas, even God eventually realized his people couldn't abide by these rules.  Everyone was doomed to hell because that's what God had promised.  And since God is perfect, he could not go back on his word.  Quite a dilemma I'd say.

But God developed a plan.  There just weren't enough goats to sacrifice for all the world's sin. God decided then and there to send "Himself" to earth to live as man and be the sacrifice for all sin; past, present and future.  Enter Jesus and the NEW Covenant. 

As great philosphers of ancient time had "predicted", the Savior was born to a young virgin named Mary in Bethlehem.  She gave birth to her Son, surrounded by barn animals.  She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger.  But that is only the beginning.  A star shined bright above the stable and wise men came from afar to bring gifts to the newborn King.  It truly is a beautiful story filled with wonder.

The short version (surely you know the whole story) is that this baby, Jesus, grew to become a Jewish carpenter who was then labeled the Son of God, King of Kings.  He was both fully God and fully human.  He lived an incredible life as a teacher, healer and leader.  But, as was foretold,  in his early 30's he was branded a heretic and crucified on a cross next to common thieves.  His death is your hope.  His life wasn't taken....it was given so that all might come to know the kingdom of Heaven.

Again, from an historical standpoint this story is full of holes.  I don't believe much of it.  But I don't believe ghosts from baseball past appeared on a baseball diamond cut in the middle of a corn field in Iowa either, yet Field of Dreams is a superb movie filled with great lessons.  You don't have to believe it to reap the benefits of the story.  So during this holiday season, take out your bible and tell your children the story of Jesus.  I can think of no better thing to give your children for Christmas than a story of hope. 

To all my friends, loved one's and faithful readers, have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.  Make a new path on a fresh snow.

Matt