Thursday, December 17, 2015
Many people in this world have a Santa Claus perception of God. They think He is a kindly old man with a long white beard who is sitting in a rocking chair and is looking down to earth to see who is naughty or nice. They are not much different than the children who are waiting on Santa to give them all the things they ask for, and when they don’t get what they asked for, they will never believe in him again. Have you lost count of the many times you have heard those who say they stopped believing in God when He didn’t answer their prayers, the most common one being that He let a dear loved one die? Then, there are those who think that on the day they stand before Him, He is going to let them enter heaven because they have been “good.” If that were the case, no human being would ever get into Heaven because the Bible says about all of us: “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:12)
I admit that the concept of Santa Claus is a good one because, if nothing else, it gives children all around the world a sense of hope and excitement, even if it is but for a short time. My joy and excitement about Santa slowly faded away when I finally realized he was not going to come down the chimney in our house which was just a few feet away from my bed. I know many will think I am not being “nice” for saying it, but Santa Claus is only a myth. On the other hand, God is real and so is His power. What He gives is far, far better than what we can ever hope Santa will give us. Earthly presents are temporary; what God gives is forever. And way better than Santa, we don’t need to be “good” in order to receive them; all we have to do is believe on His Son, Jesus Christ.
Unlike many other well meaning Christians, I am not the type that goes around this time of year donning a sour face and saying “humbug” to everything related to today’s celebration of Christmas. I actually love Santa, and the elves, and the reindeer, Christmas trees, lights and decorations. Then again, I love Mickey Mouse too. You see, I can be happy with all of this because……... I believe on the true story of Christmas. The truth of it should bring a lasting hope and joy to all of God’s children. And because of Christ, this time of year we should even be more excited than any simple little tot who believes in Santa. Joy to the world!
Memory verse for the week: (Deuteronomy 12:32) “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.”
