JUST THINKING: It's A Matter of Time

I was just thinking — this year is quickly coming to a close, and we will be entering a New Year in just a few days. It seems the older I get, the faster time flies!

Time — what a unique word! We use the word time to describe seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries and millennia. We can add to that birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

It’s a Matter of Time

We are in the midst of what is commonly called “’the holidays.” It’s about saying, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.” For some reason, many are offended if someone greets them with “Happy Holidays.”

However, in my opinion, that shouldn’t be. The etymology of the word “holiday” is eye-opening. It comes from the Old English word “halidaeg,” meaning “holy day.” The celebration of Jesus Christ is definitely that of a holy day! On the other hand, “Christmas” comes from a word coined in 1038 A.D. It referred to the Mass of Christ or “Christ Mass.”

So, whether we greet one another with “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” it’s a matter of time — the time of celebrating the birth of the Savior of the world… a special Gift at a special time.

That night in Bethlehem 2,000+ years ago was a “holiday!” Oh, there was no cessation of work, no football games and no rest. It was, as is often being sung in churches at this time of year, a silent night — a holy night. In the darkness shrouding the hills, shepherds heard an angelic choir proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

It was, indeed, a matter of time — just the right time! “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship (have the full rights of son)” (Gal. 4:4-5).

A New Year That is a Matter of Time

This is my last column for 2022, and it has been an honor to share my thoughts this past year. I am grateful to Executive Editor Jeff Herring and Associate Editor Allan Eakin for the opportunity to do so each week. I am also grateful for the many who have texted, emailed or called with kind words and encouragement.

Time flies by! It seems we just recently entered 2022, and now we are approaching 2023! I remember, in January, thinking, “Could this be the year Christ returns for us?” I will likely ask that again next month. Why? Because it’s just a matter of time!

Happy Holidays!

To each of you, Karen and I wish the very best of God’s blessings for you and yours. I urge you to be with your church family on Christmas Day, worshiping the Lord. I also urge you to start 2023 off right — worshiping God, exalting Christ and submitting to the Holy Spirit. Who knows? It could be the year when Jesus comes again! It’s just a matter of time!