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.