While I was lying awake last night wishing I were fast asleep or at least hoping for a dancing sugar-plum or two, I began to compare Santa Claus and Jesus in my mind. Both are seen as benevolent, kind individuals. Both are viewed as giving, generous and loving. And both judge character.
Santa keeps a list of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. If you make Santa’s nice list you receive a beautiful gift but if you find yourself on his naughty list, the only thing you can expect is a lump of coal. Santa’s standards are pretty clear-cut and rigid with no room for grace.
Jesus also has pretty clear-cut standards (see Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and Ephesians 4:17 – 5:21). If I find myself on the “naughty list”, so to speak, I can rely on the love and grace of Jesus to restore my relationship with Him. I am so thankful that Jesus, while still holding me accountable for my sin, is ready and eager to forgive me the moment I repent. I don’t have to worry about the “naughty or nice list” because of His incredible mercy. Ultimately, through His forgiveness, I am REDEEMED! Hallelujah!
Amen! Well said.
By: D MacLearn on December 24, 2009
at 7:56 pm