Letters to the Editor

Fallen from grace?

In spite of the glorious thanks we have in our hearts this time of the year when we celebrate the magnificent birth of Jesus, I’m personally saddened by the present Tiger Woods saga. Despite his incredible talent and meteoric elevation in our society as almost a god, these stories help us to realize that he is also simply a sinner in need of a Savior; just like the rest of us.

However, isn’t that what the Christmas story is really all about, or have we forgotten in our frantic world of materialism and earthly success?

As this drama unfolds, only time will tell how much of this young icon’s “standing” will recover in our status-obsessed society. It seems that human nature loves to build gigantic monuments to our heroes and then tear them down when they fail us.

Today, I heard a reporter say that Tiger Woods has “fallen from grace.” If one is talking about the grace one receives from this fallen world, this statement is sadly true. However, from Heaven’s perspective, this “fall” came as no surprise because falling is what sinners do naturally. That’s why the Savior was born — to catch and then restore the fallen which includes us all.

For this reason, even in the midst of all the human chatter, we can be assured that the Lord in His still small voice is whispering, “I love you Tiger. I forgive you Tiger. I’ll help you and your wife through this Tiger. I’ll even turn this tragedy into a triumph, because where sin abounds, my grace abounds much more.”

In the midst of all our wonderful celebration this Christmas season, I encourage you to please pray for Mr. Woods and his family because… “but for the grace of God go I.”

Pastor Bruce Vyverberg, 37862