It’s that time of year again. The decor, lights, trees, and presents abound. Through all of the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters and where our priorities lie.

Family traditions are so much fun, and one of those is sometimes entertaining the idea of Santa Claus.

The casual pretending with children is totally fine. The excitement of a supernatural gift appearing from a mysterious figure is thrilling in some ways. And we all need the joy that comes from the stories told of old.

It’s the message being taught that your behavior throughout the year will determine what sort of treatment you will receive that rings false in my heart.

Pretending with your kids about Santa is fine, but for those of us who call Christ our Lord, we must make sure they truly understand the gospel and what Jesus has done for us.

The message of Santa says “Be well behaved so that you can get what you want”, which can be very self serving. Good behavior motivated by selfish gain is not so good.

However, the message of Christmas, where God Himself comes down to save a fallen world, reminds us that our behavior doesn’t take away His love for us.

Jesus paid the price for all those on the naughty list, while we were still naughty. That’s all of us. None are nice. No, not one. (Romans 3:10) Until, that is, He came to make us new.

Jesus shows us what it means to truly give generously, uninfluenced by who deserves love or who does not. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance, not the other way around. (Romans 2:4)

We then become righteous and new only because of what has done for us, and our good behavior is simply a byproduct of our new nature and love for our savior.

I love the story of Saint Nicolas. He gave gifts to the needy, the poor, and the undeserving.

Old St. Nic’s generosity came from His understanding of the gospel and a grateful heart knowing what profound grace had been shown to him. That is what the message of Christmas is all about.

So, rejoice brothers and sisters, that we have been restored to the nice list, all because of the only One who is truly the nicest of all. And the gifts He brings are truly delightful and abundant.

Merry Christmas to all.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8

“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:6-8