12/20/21 12/20/21

Blog Bio Christmas, Jesus and Santa

When I was a preschooler, my pastor father served a church in Clitherall, Minnesota. Originally, we lived in a house too small for our growing family. The church bought the bank building on main street to use as the church until they bought a church building, moving it in onto some property they owned.

The bank building became our new home. It was a beautiful red brick building with double entry doors and a fancy ceiling. Several rooms were created on one side for three bedrooms--right next to the still functioning vault, my folks were careful to keep locked. There was a room at the far end that was turned into our kitchen. It also held a large fireplace.

Since this was in the 1950s, the building had no indoor bathroom. We had an outhouse out back. But come Christmas, the fascinating aspect of our house was that fireplace. I don’t think I ever saw it lit. However, we knew the story of Santa Claus and the need for a fireplace so Santa could leave gifts.

With our Swedish heritage, Christmas was Christmas Eve for us. Early on, our folks started traditions that included Dad reading the Christmas story before we each gave thanks for our blessings. Only then did Dad hand out our gifts--one at a time so we could appreciate each one and the giver.

Back then, we did not have much, and every gift really was appreciated--mostly homemade. Our folks were careful to make sure we understood the true meaning of Christmas was Jesus coming to earth to live, and die a martyr’s death--sacrificing His life for all the wrongs we did. Then He rose again conquering death itself to offer life in Him both now and forever as we bowed before Him.

But that was Christmas Eve. My sister and I (our brother Paul was born when we lived in Minnesota and was way too young) went to bed excitedly anticipating our gifts from “Santa” the next morning. Early the next morning we rushed to the kitchen area to see what was by the fireplace. Yes. There were gifts. I remember a huge coloring book and some smaller items. It was exciting to think that Santa remembered us.

Karin was older by 3 ½ years and didn’t want me to have illusions about what Christmas was all about. “Mom and Dad actually gave us these gifts,” she told me. What! Even at my young age, I knew it was difficult for our folks to buy us gifts. And these were extra gifts--not from Santa?

Karin explained that Santa was fun, but not real. That Jesus was real and the true reason for Christmas. Some families are all in about Santa and Jesus plays only a minor role. Other families ban Santa altogether.

My folks took a different approach. They helped us realize Santa is a fun myth and allowed us to embrace that aspect of the holidays. But, they also made sure we understood the center of our celebration remained on the truth that a very real Savior did come to save and set us free for one reason--because He loved us.

What helped me put our traditions in perspective was a graphic that circulated some years ago. It was a picture of the manger, with Santa on his knees before the baby Jesus.

As the angels told the shepherds, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…” Luke 2:10b-11 NKJV

Let us worship at the manger this Christmas.
Merry Christmas!

12/22/20 12/22/20

Blog Don’t let the holiday season steal your joy

The holiday season seems the perfect time for get-togethers—though this year large gatherings are discouraged. The holiday season started even before Thanksgiving, still technically autumn, though weather often indicates otherwise. All too soon Christmas arrives with New Year close behind, which brings school and church programs and, most years, family gatherings.

By the end of the holiday season, we’re are depleted physically, mentally, emotionally-- and financially.

Time to stop and ask, “What am I doing? Did I even try to say, ‘No!’ to some events I really didn’t need to attend? What did I gain for all my efforts?”

Even though the urge to get out may not be as pressing this year, there are still places to go and gifts to buy, Christmas letters to write. Even searching for gifts online takes time effort and money.

Before we exhaust ourselves we need to ask, “Were friendships begun or deepened? Were family ties strengthened or simply frazzled by the time restraints, rush, and tension?

Did I take time to spend time with my spouse, my children?
Did I take time for friends?
Did I take time to worship the very One we’re supposed to be celebrating?

How often in the mindless hustle and bustle, did I consider what others really needed? That might be time, not stress, tension and gifts quickly discarded and forgotten.

In the end, when we stress out about events and shopping and gifts we end up overwhelmed and a little resentful—though we bring it on ourselves. Do we resent time spent gift shopping for things most do not need or want? Upset that gifts kids, especially, will abandon to play with the boxes those expensive toys were in? Why? Pride, status, being a good person, parent, or friend? How foolish!

True, there is pleasure in connecting with friends or family not seen in a while, and I love exchanging greetings with those from far away and catching up with each other's lives. There is also the love that goes into just the right gift for someone special. But just-right gifts don’t have to be expensive to share your love and care.

In fact, spending more than you can afford actually takes away the joy of your find--especially once the bill arrives. Gifts are no substitute for personal contact even if that is by phone, video, Zoom, etc.

Instead of rushing headlong into the season, stop. Take stock of your finances, commitments, and time and plan accordingly, leaving time to breathe. Take time to consider the true meaning of the season--Jesus. Jesus came in the quiet of the night.

This year, let’s spend less time hurrying and worrying. Let’s spend within a budget and give priority to family--and to worshiping Christ the Savior who came to bring joy and life to all who bow not just at the manger, but also at the cross.

Most of all, choose to slow down, listen for God’s direction, and share His love with those around you. If He can sustain us the rest of the year, surely He can sustain us during the hectic holiday season—if we let Him.

It is remembering that it is in giving, not in frantic activity, we will come to know the true joy of the season.

I plan my life out a day at a time, so my posting schedule can be erratic.

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