December 11: He’s Coming to Town!

Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me.
Psalm 139:1(NIV)

“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town!” Oh the fear that would rise in me as a child in hearing these words sung over and over again throughout the Christmas season! Had I been good enough in the prior year for Santa to visit my home with a bounty of gifts?

Much time had gone into selecting the perfect doll, and other toys, from the Sears’ Christmas catalog. My carefully crafted letter to Santa assured him I was worthy of receiving every item on my wish list. Hearing that “he sees you when you’re sleeping, and knows when you’re awake” lowered my confidence that anything would be left under our tree for me!

The traditions associated with a visit from Santa Claus, though harmless in the intent, can cause much confusion and unnecessary fear in the mind of a child.
Parents must take every opportunity, if practicing these century old traditions, to explain the differences between the imaginary Santa and the very real Jesus. Christ Jesus truly does know if we have been bad or good, but He loves us unconditionally, and His gifts of forgiveness and everlasting life are available to all who simply believe in Him. Christ’s blood, alone, makes us worthy!

Father, we look forward with eagerness to Your Son’s return!
Come Lord Jesus!
Carmen Pate