On Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens celebrated more than just a playoff berth. After a dominant 34-17 victory over their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach John Harbaugh turned the postgame spotlight away from the field to share a heartfelt Christmas message rooted in faith and gratitude.
Before diving into football talk during his press conference, Harbaugh took a moment to reflect on the true spirit of the season.
“I read this to the team in our postgame prayer,” Harbaugh began. “Mary, the mother of God, said this when she was with Elizabeth: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.'”
He continued, “So, I just want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season and rejoice. Rejoice in life. Rejoice in your circumstances. Rejoice in the tough games. Rejoice in the losses. Rejoice in the wins, like we’re blessed to do today as a football team.”
Harbaugh’s message was about more than football—it was a call to live with joy and purpose, especially during the Christmas season.
“Rejoice in the people that you love, the people that are close to you. Rejoice,” he urged. “We aren’t here on this Earth to worry about every little thing and spar with one another. We’re here to rejoice in one another and with one another and love one another.”
Harbaugh reminded everyone listening that while football may be the focus during game weeks, the Christmas season calls for a broader perspective.
“This is a big football week,” he said. “It’s also a big life week. It’s a big spiritual week.”
The Ravens’ victory over the Steelers was significant. It kept their playoff hopes alive and sent a message to the league about their strength heading into the postseason. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who led the charge with his NFL-leading 37th touchdown, emphasized the win’s significance.
“I feel like we’ve been busting our behind all season long,” Jackson said. “Had ups and downs throughout this whole season, but to clinch a playoff spot against a great team like that, that’s great. That means we’re moving in the right direction.”
The win also tied the Ravens and Steelers in the AFC North standings, adding to the anticipation of the playoff race.
The Ravens will have little time to rest as they face the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. For Harbaugh, the timing of the game is an opportunity to embrace both the competitive spirit of football and the joy of the holiday season.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in another high-stakes matchup on Christmas Day, making this holiday week pivotal for both teams.