At this time of the year we all see the many invitations for Santa Claus to pay homes a visit. Children and adults alike are giddy with anticipation of this once a year event! How wonderful it is to look forward to Santa’s arrival. Letters have been written to Santa by children young and old alike detailing all the gifts they are wishing for. Now, you and I know the truth about who ‘Santa’ is….he is truly a benevolent character guaranteeing gifts to those who are deserving, based on their behaviours during the year. Wow, gifts for being good?! I pause to reflect on my own actions this past year? Have I been ‘good’? Ultimately, I guess that depends on who you ask! We all are aware of what gifts those who haven’t behaved will receive….yes, coal! So for a time, most parents can expect their children to be on their best behaviour, at least for the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This prelude to the big event, Christmas Day got me wondering about the anticipated arrival of someone 2000 years ago. Yes, Jesus. His arrival was foretold many, many years before his actual birth in Bethlehem. The old testament outlines his arrival in many passages. People looked forward to with eager anticipation the birth of the Son of God! In John 1:14 it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Anticipation was palpable in those who were looking forward to Christ’s arrival, much like the anticipation children have for Santa’s arrival.
Jesus versus Santa? Hmmm….. the biggest difference is the gifts they bring for everyone. Santa only brings gifts to those who have been ‘good’. Jesus brings the gift of eternal life to all! That’s right! Christ gives us the gift of eternity and it isn’t dependent upon our behaviour! Mankind was born into a sinful state. So, regardless of our ‘good’ or ‘bad’ behaviour we can’t enter God’s kingdom without Christ’s birth, crucifixion, death and resurrection. John 3:16 says, ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Did you catch that? WHOEVER! God knows us and our behaviours better than anyone else and he still is willing to give us this awesome gift!
Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Christ will come to our ‘house’ even if we have been ‘bad’. Romans 8:1 states, ” Therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What a gift! A glorious gift that no material acquisition or possession can match. Eternal life!
So, perhaps we should put a sign on the door to our own hearts that says, “Jesus Stop Here”! I look forward to the gift Jesus provides more than any gift that ‘Santa’ can ever bring. I am not ‘good’ or ‘perfect’…..but I take heart in the promises that I am forgiven and have accepted the gift that Jesus has offered.
Won’t you join me in placing ‘Jesus Stop Here’ on the door to your heart?
Merry Christmas!
Encouragement for the Sojourner 