Hello My Chickadees,
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but in a year filled with hurt, loss, sorrow, racial unrest, police brutality, natural disasters, and the craziest political climate ever experienced in this country, some may say, “Jolly for what?” In times like these, it takes effort and a conscious decision to be jolly when you’re separated from loved ones and trying to figure out how you’re going to pay your bills because you’ve been laid off or let go. Not to mention the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic that is raging like a roaring lion seeking who it can attack or devour, and you’re praying that it won’t be you or your loved ones. And if all of that isn’t enough, you turn on the news only to see how sick our world is, as the callous, cold, selfish ways in which some people treat others is on full display. So, I ask you… do we need Santa or a Savior?
Let’s look at our options.
· Santa makes his list and checks it twice to see who’s naughty or nice, before he considers getting you what you want.
The Savior knows we have all been naughty. He allows the rain to fall on the just and the unjust and lets His sun shine on those who are evil, as well as those who are good (Matthew 5:45), simply because He came to save all of us sinners. He desires that none be lost.
· Santa collaborates with the material world to entice and attempt to convince us that we must have the latest phone, car, designer wardrobe, or gadget to be recognized as important.
The Savior tells us that we’re already important, beautiful, worthy, gifted, creative, talented, and capable, and competent simply because we are in Him. Through Him, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). He promises to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19) and in Him there is no lack.
· Santa shows up once a year, and we decorate and make elaborate plans to celebrate his arrival in hopes that he will leave something that will make us happy until the newness wears off.
The Savior says, “I stand at the door (of your heart) knocking, if you will open the door, I’ll come in and be with you, not just on Christmas day, but forever. With me comes peace, joy, love, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23), as well as all I have promised you in my word if you abide in me.”
· Santa’s favor is based on what you have done.
The Savior says “I love you” and my favor rests on you because of who you are – a child of God.
· Santa will leave you wanting, but the Savior says for all those who come to me, “I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). One of His many titles is The Bread of Life. He says, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never thirst,” (John 6:35).
Christ our Savior became one of us to enter into our brokenness with the promise that “The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth,” (Isaiah 40:7). Lord knows, if we ever needed a Savior, we sure do need one NOW.
No, my Chickadees, I am not saying bah humbug on Santa Claus, but we must be careful not to allow the glitz and glamour of our materialistic world and nature entice us to forget or forsake the real meaning of Christmas. With everything in life, we consciously or unconsciously make choices, and one of our biggest choices is the choice between spirit and flesh. Our flesh can cause us to lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. Santa has his place, and the smiles he brings to our children’s faces light up our hearts, but the real reason for the season is to celebrate the birthday of a Savior who came and changed the world. If we allow Him, He wants to change us too. He wants to change our stony hearts filled with bigotry, racism, and all types of other phobias and isms to hearts of flesh that allow us to anchor into His love and become beacons of light and love. He will help us to see our brothers, sisters, and the world through eyes of love. What a wonderful world it would be if we selected the choice that the Savior offers us.
As we enter into the season of Advent and Christmas, let’s celebrate the birthday of Jesus who came that we may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
From a material perspective, we may not have much to give, but looking through the eyes of love allows us to give the greatest gift of all, the one thing that never fails and will last when all other gifts are gone… LOVE.
I love you with the love of the Lord, my Chickadees, and if your choice is to celebrate the Savior, I pray that you allow the transforming power of His love to touch you and energize you to transform.
Peace, Blessings, and Merry CHRISTmas,
Gail