Most adults do not believe in Santa Claus, to them he is a myth that is meant for children only. Children place their whole trust in the myth that Santa will bring them whatever they wish. Once it is discovered that he sometimes fails to fulfill expectations they stop believing.
Today I read in scripture some passages where God asks why His people stopped believing in Him. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it? There are plenty adults who believed in God as children, but because they were not granted all they wanted from Him they turned their hearts away from the belief that He exists and is good.
Disappointments are the pins that pop the balloons of belief. A belief in Santa or God that disappoints will deflate our hopes and cause us to choose a path that seems safe but will lead to loss, and a hardened heart. Why do we think we should have whatever we want? Why do we think that a wise, good and loving God should answer every prayer on our terms? Is it possible to believe in a good, loving and wise God even if He never answers a prayer in our favor? I think we must say "Yes!"
God exists without our needing Him to exist. He is because He is God! Our unbelief does not cause Him to change or become a myth like Santa. We can believe in God!
Just believe!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
St. Nicholas Day
Yes, there is a Santa. I believe he lives in heaven because he believed in Jesus as his savior. He was Bishop Nicholas. He had a generous spirit and loved children. It is a bit sad that his memory is now limited to a fantasy man who indulges children and adults with their every desire.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good Santa movie, song and pretending with children. My imagination comes alive by the idea of a toy land workshop and cheerful giving to all children. There is still much good that can be gleaned from the fantasy of Santa. But there can be so much more to learn from the real man.
From my readings about him, he was a humble man. He had a heart for the poor and yet he insisted that poverty was no excuse for bad behavior. He spread the good news of the gospel by his actions of grace filled giving. He did it all not for his own glory but for the glory of God.
Santa is someone we can emulate. We should be balanced givers and generous to the poor. December 6th is the day he is honored and hopefully God is glorified in the remembering of Saint Nicholas' life!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good Santa movie, song and pretending with children. My imagination comes alive by the idea of a toy land workshop and cheerful giving to all children. There is still much good that can be gleaned from the fantasy of Santa. But there can be so much more to learn from the real man.
From my readings about him, he was a humble man. He had a heart for the poor and yet he insisted that poverty was no excuse for bad behavior. He spread the good news of the gospel by his actions of grace filled giving. He did it all not for his own glory but for the glory of God.
Santa is someone we can emulate. We should be balanced givers and generous to the poor. December 6th is the day he is honored and hopefully God is glorified in the remembering of Saint Nicholas' life!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Homemade Sparkles!
I am up to my ears in glitter and warm fuzzy fur! Yes, I am creating gifts. I do it not only in lean times but in prosperous times as well. I sometimes think my homemade gifts are not well received. That makes me sad and yet I still give gifts that comes from my own hands, heart and imagination.
Homemade is a warm and inviting word but I find that my humanness is drawn to the glitter and warm fuzzies of gifts made on an assembly line with no heart. My soul and spirit, however, long for the gift that touches my heart. Christmas could be a homemade celebration with just a little glitz and cozy touches if only I would change my heart. Would it then feel more like the first Christmas?
The picture of a tiny newborn sleeping in a manger is a vision of heavenly homemade gift. God gave us a present of the most wondrous kind and asked a simple maiden to deliver Him to the world. how do I receive this gift? Would I prefer a powerful miracle worker? Can I find pleasure and satisfaction in the love-created gift of Jesus in a manger and dying on a cross?
Homemade is a warm and inviting word but I find that my humanness is drawn to the glitter and warm fuzzies of gifts made on an assembly line with no heart. My soul and spirit, however, long for the gift that touches my heart. Christmas could be a homemade celebration with just a little glitz and cozy touches if only I would change my heart. Would it then feel more like the first Christmas?
The picture of a tiny newborn sleeping in a manger is a vision of heavenly homemade gift. God gave us a present of the most wondrous kind and asked a simple maiden to deliver Him to the world. how do I receive this gift? Would I prefer a powerful miracle worker? Can I find pleasure and satisfaction in the love-created gift of Jesus in a manger and dying on a cross?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Chill in the Air
The one thing that upsets me most at Christmas time is grumpy people. I do understand that not everyone celebrates the holiday, but it seems to me that being a grump won't make the holiday disappear. For the grump it may even make the days to go by more slowly!
I have something that usually can warm up a chilly heart. I offer them a smile, sometimes accompanied by a kind word. I know it works because it works on me!
If you are a grump, I'll offer you a smilenow. If you have a smile to share, pass it on! It doesn't cost a thing! Let's make this a Merry Christmas!
I have something that usually can warm up a chilly heart. I offer them a smile, sometimes accompanied by a kind word. I know it works because it works on me!
If you are a grump, I'll offer you a smile
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time to Listen
I have a Christmas Caroling clock. Each hour it chimes a different Christmas song. The first few days of hearing it I am surprised and delighted to think about the song and the words reminding me to celebrate with joy! My attitude is lifted by those sweet chimes.
It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?
It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?
He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!
It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?
It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?
He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tree Lights
I have spent the last three days trying to get my Christmas tree decorated. I've really been just working on getting the hundreds of multicolored lights up and running. I still have about a fourth of the tree left to cover, then we begin hanging the ornaments.
Our tree is lovely to look at and for me it also is symbolic of the body of Christ that glitters with the light of Christ radiating from each person. The tree symbolizes Christs death on a cross, but for me it also is a visual of all believers who come to the cross to find the hope of salvation. It is ever green for our hope of everlasting life. It is shaped to point us to the heavens where our God rules and reigns! Christmas trees are a beautiful reminder that Jesus will return to gather His own to Him.
We can only wait for the second advent by keeping watch. It is time to ready ourselves. It is time to celebrate the past coming of the infant Jesus and wait in expectant hope for our Victorious King!
The time dedicated to decorating the tree can become an act of worship. May God be glorified in my thoughts and in my actions as I joyfully share the witness of a holy Christmas symbol.
Our tree is lovely to look at and for me it also is symbolic of the body of Christ that glitters with the light of Christ radiating from each person. The tree symbolizes Christs death on a cross, but for me it also is a visual of all believers who come to the cross to find the hope of salvation. It is ever green for our hope of everlasting life. It is shaped to point us to the heavens where our God rules and reigns! Christmas trees are a beautiful reminder that Jesus will return to gather His own to Him.
We can only wait for the second advent by keeping watch. It is time to ready ourselves. It is time to celebrate the past coming of the infant Jesus and wait in expectant hope for our Victorious King!
The time dedicated to decorating the tree can become an act of worship. May God be glorified in my thoughts and in my actions as I joyfully share the witness of a holy Christmas symbol.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Potential
What potential do I possess? That is a question posed to me during church yesterday. It got me to thinking.
The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!
What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!
Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.
It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!
The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!
What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!
Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.
It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!
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