Christmas gift of Time

Written for the High Plains Journal

A new endeavor for me in 2024 was the kickoff of my new TV program “Wing and a Prayer.” The whole concept behind this weekly program, broadcast on BEK News and streaming on multiple platforms, was actually the brainchild of my good friend Marty Beard in North Dakota. Marty has, for quite some time, been telling me that we need to have a weekly discussion encouraging small group or family Bible studies. Marty has been practicing what he preaches for several years as he and a few of his neighbors get together every Sunday evening to read and discuss the Bible.

There is absolutely nothing new or original in me jumping into a conversation about how Christmas has become far too commercial instead of truly celebrating the reason for the season. But honestly the discussions we get into on Wing and a Prayer shed a tremendous amount of light on the lukewarm Christians that Jesus warned us about.

1 John 2:15-16

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

I wanted to share that verse because I think it is very appropriate for the times we live in today, and I am not convinced these times are any different than the past 2000 years. With that said, I do not like it when folks pull certain Bible verses out and use them as the sole direction for your walk with God. The Bible is a series for stories that need to be read in context from start to finish and understand the messages and meanings that are being expressed.

There is one aspect of the Bible that, as a kid in Sunday School, I could never understand and now I see more clearly. The day is coming that folks will refuse to admit their true Christian beliefs. The attack on Christianity is not just coming, it has been here for most of my lifetime. Just stop for a moment and consider how many people toyed with the thought that maybe they should not say Merry Christmas because it might offend someone? The mere fact you have that thought says it is happening.

Through the very deep and convoluted rabbit holes we have ventured down on this year’s Wing and a Prayer, I have determined that everyone needs to find their walk with Jesus in their own way. The Bible clearly lines out that you do not earn your way into eternal life but that you fully accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Once that has been done, you won’t refrain from standing for the ultimate truth in every walk of your life.

For example, it is far too common in today’s world to attend informational meetings about something tied to agriculture. We in agriculture are in charge of God’s creation and we have accepted the task of caring for this creation and enabling human life. Yet, far too often there seems to be some level of apprehension about starting a meeting with a prayer for fear of offending someone.

I am not going to pretend I have it all figured out. The prayer that I send daily is for God to assist me in His will being done. We know full well that amongst us here on earth today we have as many deceivers as at any time in history. If not a higher percentage, there is certainly a greater platform to touch more ears than any time before. So my daily prayers include the sentiment from this verse in Mathew 7:15:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

In closing, don’t miss the best part of the CHRISTmas season and that is to spend time with those you love. The world gets to be a faster hamster wheel every day so make a conscious effort to slow down and give the gift of time to those who you care about most.