I went to the mall last week with Lisa, Sophia & Jocelyn. This was our first mall Santa sighting. He was set up downstairs but so that he was visible from the upper level looking down. And that was how Sophia spotted him…..

She went over to the railing & looked down at him for several minutes. Noticing that there was not a single person in line, I asked her if she would like to go down & visit him. She quickly replied, “No, not right now.” I knew she did not believe in Santa but thought perhaps she would like to get closer to see the Christmas setting & decorations that he was settled in.

It was then that Santa noticed Sophia & waved. She was so excited that even from the distance, he had waved. She waved back and we continued walking to our destination.

Upon walking back, Sophia needed to take a second look at Santa. Again, no children were with him. He noticed her, waved & this time in addition to waving, he motioned for her to come down. She waved back to him but motioned “no” with her head. He continued waving & she continued shaking her head “no”. It was a most hysterical interaction; one that has made me laugh each time I have thought about it.

This morning it hit me….

Am I really very different than Sophia at all?

Jesus calls to me, waves to me & says,

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

And I peer at Him from a distance. I wave back – I go to church, sing the songs, hear the sermon. But do I truly draw close? That is the question.

Here’s the deal…….

Santa beckons us, waves to us, makes promises & CANNOT deliver.

Christ beckons us, waves to us, KEEPS EVERY PROMISE HE HAS SPOKEN.

As this busy & hectic & stressful season is upon us, may we remember to draw close. May we remember to let Him give us what He has promised….

“You will find rest for your souls.”