Clinching A Playoff Spot

CLINCHING A PLAYOFF SPOT excites every fan in an NFL city. But in 2000, when the Indianapolis Colts were striving for a postseason berth, it caused problems for a local church.

Because the Colts’ final game of the season was broadcast on national television, the kickoff time switched from 1:00 to 4:15 on Christmas Eve. The pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church protested. For many years, St. John, located across the street from the RCA Dome, had been holding Christmas Eve family mass at 5:30 p.m. Religious leaders considered canceling the service due to parking concerns.

The Colts needed a victory over the Minnesota Vikings coupled with a New York Jets loss to capture their second straight playoff berth. With the Jets starting three hours earlier, Indianapolis learned of New York’s defeat shortly after its game began. Millions watched the game on television due to the playoff implications.

Since Minnesota had already wrapped up first place in the central division, victory meant little to the Vikings. The contest turned into a rout, and Indianapolis waltzed to a 31–10 win. Peyton Manning completed 25 of 36 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, setting a new club record with 33 for the year. Edgerrin James ran for 128 yards, capturing the NFL rushing title with 1,709.

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POINT As it turned out, both the game and the church service went well for Indianapolis. A group of local business leaders stepped in and paid for 400 reserved parking places to ensure the estimated 1,000 parishioners would find room to park and attend Christmas Eve services at St. John. And there was still plenty of room for Colts fans.

On the first Christmas Eve, Mary and Joseph had trouble finding room. The Roman emperor called for a census requiring every man to return to his family’s hometown. With all the people in Bethlehem, innkeepers had no place for the expectant couple. They were finally offered shelter in a stable. Mary gave birth, wrapped the baby in strips of cloth, and laid him in a manger.

GOAL! Attend a Christmas Eve service. As you think about the Savior’s birth, ask God to help you always keep room in your heart for Jesus.