I Love Santa and I Love Jesus
It doesn’t make sense to say those words effectively in one sentence. Better said in two sentences. One sentence is short and short on promise. “I enjoy the notion of Santa and the joy he brings at this time of the year.” The other sentence is HUGE on promise that lasts from here through eternity. “I love Jesus because He was willing to come to this earth as a baby for me and He paid the ultimate price for me and the JOY He fills my life with isn’t for just a season — but for a lifetime and beyond!”
It’s just ten days until little children are bounding to the Christmas tree to find their Santa surprises and in mere minutes the wrappings from all the presents will be stuffed into a trash bag.
When I was a very young child, I was taught, like many children, that Christmas Eve was special because Santa was coming and would leave me my heart’s desire. I was told to fall asleep quickly so he would come. On Christmas morning, I leaped out of bed to see what Santa brought me. I loved Santa. After all, he loved me whether I was bad or good AND he left me presents. The most important part of Christmas was Santa and the presents. So, bring on jolly old St. Nick, adorned in red and white, and, oh, so merry! I can understand how that notion is what is most attractive to the world. Shiny objects. Christmas trees. Twinkling lights. Reindeer. Mistletoe. Jingle bells and ho-ho-hos!
Then there is the story of baby Jesus. I loved being in the kids’ Christmas programs at church and singing Christmas songs. My parents were adamant I knew that baby Jesus is the Savior of the world. But honestly, from a child’s perspective, everything about the Christmas story seemed so dingy, gray, brown, and so sad. Little baby Jesus was born in a smelly stable because there was no room at the inn. We sang: “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed” So, where’s the joy in that, God? Then, Herod ordered babies killed. Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt for protection. How merry and bright is that? God knew everything but still let that happen. So, of course, children and adults who don’t know the true meaning of Christmas, find their joy partying it up with Santa, the jolly old soul, along with all the other Christmas tinsel and glittery attractions.
Perhaps that’s why the world has trouble with the Christmas Story – because it seems to stop at the smelly stable. People don’t grasp that it was EVERYTHING. Now, that I’m older and wiser and have grown in intimacy with Jesus (now, my go-to for breath and life and peace and joy), I can see clearly where the bright lights should shine. Santa, though he is a jolly old soul, is simply a temporary joy. Joy isn’t found in temporary things – nor in a season. The joy that brings total fulfillment and satisfaction is only found in the ONE Who came down from heaven’s glories to become a baby (like you and me). He Who was born in that smelly stable and placed in a feed trough, a manger, is He Who will never leave us or forsake us. Joy, real joy, everlasting joy!
I started this blog with 10-days-till Santa. But, better said, 10 days until we celebrate the birthday of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords — God’s indescribable gift to us. True joy isn’t found in anything or anyone but Him.
As Christmas Day quickly approaches, may we make the MAIN thing, rather the main ONE — the Jesus King. May we be on purpose in explaining the Christmas story to our children so they know the true reason for this season. And, then may we bring gifts to our King in the form of taking time for Him first, then step by step, do what brings Him joy each day – being a blessing to others, filling our hearts and homes with His presence and shining our lights on THE LIGHT of the world.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15