12 Dec A Word From Dr. Satterly—December 12, 2024
Dear WA Community,
Since Westminster Academy is a school, the Headmaster’s Christmas message seems appropriate to highlight the academic side of Christmas. I don’t mean final exams or the conclusion of the first semester, but rather that in the midst of our revelry, we ought to remember that Christmas is a celebration of a historical event.
Don’t take my word for it; consider Paul’s words to the Galatian Church, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” or how John’s opening to his gospel reflects the eternal nature of Christmas, “In the beginning was the Word…” Matthew’s account begins, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place this way.” Each of these denotes the historical reality of the birth of Christ.
Over time, tradition and fiction have been mixed in with the historical account. Often, these distortions are depicted in media, misrepresented in pop culture, and even embellished by the Church. We don’t always get it right, but thankfully, God does. I’d like to offer a couple of exhibits for remedy.
Matthew penned his gospel for a first-century audience of both Jews and Greeks to reveal Jesus as Messiah. He begins with a lengthy genealogy to illustrate that all that follows actually happened—it is history, not a fairytale. A genealogy is a kind of historical record. This particular one highlights the reality of the gospel. It demonstrates Jesus’ place in David’s line. The list atypically includes women and several scoundrels. The genealogy shows us that nobody is outside the reach of Christ’s mercy and grace. It represents Christ coming into the world—this is hope.
One Christmas tradition the Church gets right is Advent. Beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Advent is both celebration and anticipation. Typically, each weekly service begins with a family lighting a candle that is part of an Advent wreath, along with a Scripture reading. The weekly themes are hope, peace, love, and joy. Commonly, Christians follow a dedicated devotional during Advent—here’s a link to one Coral Ridge Advent Devotional.
As you reflect on the historical reality of the Messiah, perhaps the words of a familiar Charles Wesley carol will press home the hope of Christmas…
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Merry Christmas.
Dr. Joel Satterly
Headmaster