Santa

What attracts us to Santa Claus so much? Are we simply drawn to him because he is a lovable old man who gives us what we want or is there something more? Why do want kids to believe in him and why is there something in all of us that wants to believe in him? Why are we told by movies and songs that all we have to do is to just 'believe' and everything will work out?

I think all of this magical, supernatural stuff surrounding Christmas reveals that our hearts really long for something more. We long to believe in something that is beyond us and bigger than us. And we desire a fatherly figure like Santa that is loving and trustworthy who gives us what we want.

As a Christian, I can testify that only Jesus Christ fills that longing in our hearts and that God is our true Father who meets our need. He desires to give His good gifts to us, but His gifts look much different than Santa Claus' gifts. His gifts are eternal life by believing in Jesus, washing away our sins through the cross and His Spirit to guide, comfort and empower us. Unlike Santa Claus who only comes down once a year and visits our homes for a split second, God is always with us and makes our hearts His home if we put our trust in Jesus.

So let us rejoice in the truth and celebrate Jesus rather than a fairy tale which pales in comparison to God and the gift of His Son, Jesus.