When I was little, I was obsessed with Santa. I loved being around him. When he came to my church’s Christmas fair I would never leave his side. Yet, I also worried whether I made the naughty list, or the nice list. Then there was anticipation and anxiety of whether I would receive what I wanted from my gift list. Now, I never had to worry about this, but The thought of getting sticks or coals most likely terrified you. How often do we approach Jesus the same way?
Approaching Santa
There is this strange dichotomy. Children are obsessed with Santa, and yet they are terrified of getting on his bad side. They get so excited when he is coming, and it is so hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve from the expectation. Yet, at the same time children are terrified of misbehaving and making the naughty list. Parents remind their kids that Santa is watching to get us to behave. On the other hand, if we are being honest we are like Calvin from this Calvin and Hobbes strip. We know doing this or that is wrong but decide that the risk is worth the payoff. Then the fear of reprisal may overwhelm us. We may approach Santa like this, but should we approach God like this? Do we need to work to earn God’s favor?
The Gift and Hope Jesus Offers
This is the difference between Santa and Jesus. Santa’s gifts are earned, but the gifts we revieve from Jesus are free, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9) In fact, we are told, “let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Compare Santa’s naughty and nice list with this promise we have in God, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) This is a promise available to anyone who would believe in Him, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
No Fear of Being too Bad
Do these promises come with ignorance of our sin? While we may try to “pull one over on Santa”, we cannot and do not need to with Jesus. Not only can we not pull one over on God, for He is all knowing, God also judges us based on our heart and mind as well (1 Samuel 16:7). How confident would any of us be of getting gifts from Santa if he looked at our thoughts and feelings to judge us? This is exaxtly the amazing nature of our gift in Jesus, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans‬ â€5:8‬) While Santa may let you down, or you may not be good enough for him, the gifts Jesus offers are free and unconditional to anyone who would follow Him. That is reason to be thankful this Christmas
Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas!
Well, as this post is going live, I currently am driving home after a wonderful Christmas day with family. How was your Christmas? Did Santa bring you anything good under the tree? Share about your Christmas in the comments. Merry Christmas!
