Christmas Prayer
Santa Keeping Christ in Christmas
A face-book page posted a picture of a painting The Truth of the Season (painted by Gaye Frances Willard) showing Santa kneeling by baby Jesus in a manger. Along with that post:
"My dear precious Jesus, I did not mean to take your place, I only bring toys and things and you bring love and grace. People give me lists of wishes and hope that they came true; But you hear prayers of the heart and promise your will to do. Children try to be good and not to cry when I am coming to town; But you love them unconditionally and that love will abound. I leave only a bag of toys and temporary joy for a season; But you leave a heart of love, full of purpose and reasons. I have a lot of believers and what one might call fame; But I never healed the blind or tried to help the lame. I have rosy cheeks and a voice full of laughter; But no nail—scarred hands or a promise of the hereafter. You may find several of me in town or at a mall; But there is only one omnipotent you, to answer a sinner’s call. And so, my dear precious Jesus, I kneel here to pray; To worship and adore you on this, your holy birthday." (Author Unknown)
When Christmas celebrations are completed and all the family goes home, the feeling left in the heart is what concerns the Lord. Sadly, for many, the Christmas celebrations full of excusive drinking and drug abuse birth forth only hanger-overs. Depression controls many who have the wrong concept of Christmas and a world view of Christmas has made merchandise of the Gospel.
It's what is done with Jesus Christ that matters! The Bible says that Jesus was conceived in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:35) Jesus said the Holy Spirit will glorify Him. (John 16:14) Christ is to be center stage; that is the desire of both the Father and Spirit. Every Christian wants to proclaim Christ through Christmas cards, wrapping paper, internet post and whatever other resources are available. They want the Christ of Christmas to be born in the heart of every loved one so they may know the joy of having Him be the reason for the season as well as being King, ruling their heart and lives. Christians want love ones to know what it means for the Savior of the world to save them from the dominion of sin, all that breaks the heart of God, keeping them from knowing His will. (Romans 12:1-2)
What is your prayer for the Christmas season? The Santa in the painting prayed a prayer that revealed the understanding of knowing his purpose, while giving true worship to the Christ of Christmas.
What or who do people see you bow the knee too in worship during the Christmas season? Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6) Be like Santa in the painting, keep Christ in Christmas!
