No matter how hard we may try, it is pretty difficult to separate ourselves from the entire concept of Santa Claus. Everywhere we go this time of year, he appears – every mall has one, Christmas cards are decorated with him, story books, movies & yes, we even can find him ringing the hand bell outside of Wal-Mart. In listening to Christmas music, I realized just how many Christmas songs in which he is mentioned.
From very young we hear of him and some are even enamored with him. I found myself wondering … What is it about him that grabs our attention?
And so, here are some things that Santa taught me today:
- We all wait for the Savior. Much the way children will wait all year for the arrival of Santa, each of us are waiting for the Savior. We anticipate His arrival into our lives, into our circumstances, and into our problems. We know that with His arrival, He brings into our world that which we need.
- He knows everything about us. In fact, Scripture tells us, “Before a word is on my tongue, he knows it completely.” (Psalm 139:4). Nothing about our lives is hidden from Him. He is intimately acquainted and aware of the details of our lives.
- He alone knows our needs and can meet them. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).
Our family did not grow up believing in Santa Claus. My children did not grow up believing in Santa Claus. Yet while listening to this song, I have come to realize the world longs for a Santa because they are in need of The Savior. They are waiting for The One, The Only One, Who can supply all their needs, meet every situation, and right every wrong.
As we wait for the arrival of Christmas, may we remember:
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14).
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaVtSHrP888&w=420&h=315]
Today I am joining Lyli as she begins hosting Thought Provoking Thurs. I am also joining …Â Thurs. Favorite Things and Time Travel Thurs. and Word Filled Wed. and Thankful Thurs. and Blog Lovin’ and Thriving Thurs. and Thrive at Home and Hearts For Home and Thoughtful Thurs. and Whimsical Wed. .
Oh my, I have always believed in the Spirit of Santa. Not what we see him as today in America in December. As a child, we were so poor, we only got things once a year and that was at Christmas.
The thrill of that time of the year for me as a child was something words cannot describe really. To have been told at that time that Santa didn’t exist would have been excruciating to me during that horrific time with my abusive family.
I knew in my child heart that Jesus used Santa to help Him during Christmas. I saw wonderful things with the child like wonder and as an adult I have lost that wonder of our Giving Lord so many times.
This season of Advent, I have been praying for the Lord to fill me with the Child like wonder again… we adults get caught up in too much of what isn’t really important.
Gypsy – I think you have always had that child heart to see things with wonder. In your kind & gentle way, it has always been there, my friend. And you help others to see Him as well!
With Love,
Joanne
This is very thought-provoking. It’s also a good reminder to me to be intentional about pointing others in the direction of the Savior for whom they wait.
As we wait, may we share the hope that His Presence brings. There is much to do in the waiting.
Reblogged this on Sunday School on Steroids-The Seminary Experience.
Dear Joanne
What a great way to describe our need for our Savior. I am just so glad that once we come to Jesus, He doesn’t wait for Christmas to be with us; no He lives in us and never ever leaves us. He is. Himself the greatest Gift we can ever receive. I really enjoyed this post, Joanne. It made me think
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia – So very true, friend. He brings the gift. He gives the gift. He IS the gift!
I am so happy He came to town!
Amen! 🙂 May He continue to bring us joy as we reflect on the music of Christmas!
“The world longs for a Santa because they are in need of The Savior. ” — You nailed it right on the head with that statement.
Thanks for linking up to Thought-Provoking Thursday! 🙂
You are such an encourager. I have been amazed at even what the familiar children’s carols have spoken to me this year. I am glad that you will be keeping the “community” together on Thurs. May it grow & be a blessing to many AND to you! Thank you, Lyli.
I agreed with Lyli, this was such a powerful statement, “I have come to realize the world longs for a Santa because they are in need of The Savior. ” Not only does the world long for Santa, but also the false satisfaction from material goods, relationships, and the things this world provides. Nothing will satisfy their longings other than the Savior. I’m visiting from Thought Provoking Thursday. I would like to invite you to a link up that I host on Thursdays as well, called, Legacy Leaver Thursday. I look forward to reading more of your blog soon.
All for Him,
Shari
Thank you for visiting & sharing with me as well, Shari. The false satisfaction from things is more emphasized this time of year for sure. I will come & visit you 🙂 Thank you for the invite.
Blessings,
Joanne
Am I ever so glad that our Savior came to that little town called Bethlehem! Great post dear Joanne!!! Sending you love and blessings xxxxxx
Natasha – in reading your comment, I realized how grateful I am that in coming to Bethlehem, He came to each of our small towns 🙂
Really Nice blog, Jo! We, too, taught our children that it was through the love, grace and generosity of our Heavenly Father – through mom and dad, precious relatives and friends – not Santa – Who provided “good gifts” to them. However, we did request that they Don’t spoil the “image” other children may have of Santa….(hoping they would honor that request – which I’m certain my very empathetic children did!) 🙂 The “fantasy” of Santa can be dealt with in a fun way….if it is taught and thought of as just that – a fantasy – for children – while it lasts – not a belief or a reality. That being said – Yes, “HE Alone knows and can meet all our needs – and give us the desires of our heart”! “Every good and perfect gift comes from above”! PTL. Merry Christmas, Jo – to you, your family and all my Christian brothers and sisters who follow your blog! Much love!
Angela –
You & mom surely taught much the same way. We were not permitted to spoil the fun for others. And somehow in the midst of it all, Santa became fun for us all 🙂 So grateful that our God truly does give “perfect gifts from above”. Angela, thank you for encouraging many!
Love,
Jo