“One year I remember my father (who was the Chief of Police) jokingly threatened to have one of his policemen shoot down Santa... ”
Christmas time is beautiful for me. I Love the pretty lights, the songs and the joyful expectation. When I was a child, I would wait patiently (or not so) for that night when, while I lay in my bed, that jolly old elf Santa would visit the house and leave presents and goodwill in his wake.
Santa was not without his perils however. One year I remember my father (who was the Chief of Police) jokingly threatened to have one of his policemen shoot down Santa if I didn't eat the odious vegetables on my plate. I was horrified. I ate the vegetables! Another time my brother panicked because there were people downstairs on Christmas Eve, after he and I were sent to bed. He panicked because he though Santa wouldn't come if there were people awake.
We have Christmas because a couple of thousand years ago, a baby was born in a manger in Bethlehem. He came so that we might have a mediator between us and God. He came to teach us what it really means to follow God. He came to bring us closer to God.
These are serious presents. Christmas is the time to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, the Savior. Santa is a nice idea and all, but lets face it. When you have a savior like Jesus Santa just doesn't compare. Santa brings presents and eats cookies and milk. Jesus brings hope and died on the Cross for our sins. Santa comes every year, Jesus is coming again, but He only has to do it once! Santa makes a list and checks it twice, looking to see who is naughty and nice. Jesus knows who everyone is, and died for us all, naughty OR nice.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. —KJV Luke 2:8-14
Geoff Clarke is a wonderful friend who serves with the Hammond Plains Christian Church in Nova Scotia, Canada.