NHRA News: Love the reason, not the season (12/25/2003)

Love the reason, not the season

By Ken Owen, NHRA Chaplain
12/25/2003

I heard a friend of mine utter the words in the headline to this story the other day and they struck me as something that may possibly represent a sentiment shared by many people in today's society. Whether people understand, appreciate, or celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, it is certain that as a nation we have always related to this season as a very special and meaningful time of the year.

Of concern to many, however, is the way this beautiful season has been altered in recent years – even to the point that an increasing number of people have lost the joy and merriment that Christmas was created to bring to our lives. The more we lose sight of the reason, the greater the tendency for some to dislike the season. At the very least, all of the changes over the years have caused Christmas to lose its original sense of purpose and the joy that accompanies it, thereby minimizing the meaningful excitement this season once generated.

Crowded stores, a lack of parking, and shortened tempers all contribute to this metamorphosis of meaning during this time of the year. And while I am far from falling into the category with those who dislike the season, I can understand the frustration so many people are experiencing in this regard. From the revocation of Nativity scenes to the recent restrictions against Christmas carols in public schools, this season is quickly becoming nothing more than a national holiday for gift-giving without a sense of purpose.

The reality is, however, that those who have no Christmas in their heart will never find Christmas under a tree. It's the spirit of the season that makes it the beautiful occasion that it is. And it's the reason for the season that engenders that spirit of giving in the first place.

There is an old adage that tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. But this is true only when we truly understand the pure nature of giving. Most people exchanged gifts with family and friends this week. But consider those times when you expressed a giving attitude with no expectations in return.

One of the things that gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction within drag racing is seeing how giving and unselfish some racers are throughout the racing season. Some of the most meaningful expressions of giving that I have ever witnessed have been by people within our sport. I applaud those who have so willingly exemplified the true spirit of giving in their lives. Whether it means loaning parts, a motor, or a complete racecar, drag racers are among the best in this regard.

We all celebrate this season of the year for our own personal reasons, and it is certainly my prayer that regardless of the reasons to which you relate, this will be a very meaningful and fulfilling time for you and your family.

Of course, for those drag racers and fans who are truly passionate about our sport, Christmas comes 23 times each year – beginning and ending in Pomona, California – the proverbial North Pole for the quarter-mile set.

But regardless of the passion and energy you emote towards this sport, I would admonish you to not lose sight of the importance of this special day.

Perhaps this would be an appropriate time for you to pause and contemplate what this season means to you. And regardless of what you view as the reason behind the season, the more personal meaning you can attribute to this occasion, the less likely you will be tempted to hate the season.

I certainly wish you and yours a very special and blessed day, as you reflect on the reason for the season and on the special place that this wonderful day has in your heart.

Reverend Ken Owen is the official chaplain of NHRA Drag Racing and the President of Racers For Christ. He recently wrote two books, Crazy About Cars and Faith in the Fast Lane, available from Harvest House Publishers. Owen holds a B.A. in theology and a M.A. in education.

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