God and Santa

When I was a child, I loved Santa. I loved him even more than Mr. Rodgers. He was a kind man who gave me hugs, ate the cookies I set out for him with lots of love, and gave me awesome presents. I'd like to clarify that Santa did not wrap his gifts for me; they were ready and waiting when I awoke on Christmas morning. He knew I didn't like to deal with paper. I had enough anticipation waiting for Christmas. I didn't need the wrappings.
I knew the real meaning of Christmas. But, I have to admit, Santa was who I concentrated on more as a child. I've learned to not do that with my own children. We talk about baby Jesus. We talk about how Santa is the fun part of Christmas and where his story came from. We discuss how Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. And we certainly tell His story.
Do we ever blur the lines with Jesus and Santa? I'm sure we all have. How does the song go? "He knows when you're sleeping, He knows when you're awake, He knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake." We all knew that if you were bad, Santa would know. And there would be no presents. I always guessed Santa forgave me for going into my closet when I was mad at my mother and, well, cussing her out. I don't think I've ever admitted that before. I knew God knew too but I worried more about Santa.
It was God though, who forgave me. And God who sent His Son to earth in humble beginnings to one day die for my sins. (This includes aforementioned closet cursing.) That is a gift I do enjoy unwrapping every day, being Christmas or not. Not usually found under a tree, but felt in my heart.

The Patience of God

The Christmas season is upon us. How many times have we heard this in the past week? Or month? Why does Christmas start so early? People say we are greedy. Just look at Black Friday! This could be greed. It certainly smells like it. But, could it also be, (unintentionally of course because why would the retailers do anything considerate or positive?), a way to help people in a financial crunch spread their money out over a few months? Then December is not a time of scraping by and bouncing checkbooks? I'm throwing it out there; do with it what you'd like.
Our pastor is talking about advent. Advent means waiting and preparing for the Christ child. It does not mean waiting in absurdly long lines because you ventured into your favorite (and cheapest) store to buy the bath soap you forgot while making your weekly haul of groceries. Seriously, that's not the point.
If we give retailers the benefit of the doubt and a tired cashier a friendly smile even though we had to wait, isn't that more the point? Being patient with an employee who was hired for the Christmas season and hasn't quite mastered the computer may be hard but their appreciative smile is worth it. Believe me, I've been there.
We wait on the Christ child, don't we? Our children can hardly wait. And, let's face it, as adults there is some satisfaction of ripping open the paper and finding what you really wanted for Christmas!
I think about how God waits on us. We forget Him alot and try to handle things on our own. But there He is, patiently waiting for us to listen to Him so we can learn to open up who He truly meant for us to be. A beautiful gift to others and to Him. Reflecting God's goodness and mercy. Loving unconditionally and forgiving easily. Showing His patience to our children, spouse and others. Giving of ourselves as Jesus gave Himself for us. He really is the best gift of all.