Christmas

It takes a while to get used to the fact that it's nearly Christmas.  The days are sunny and get warm by the afternoon although we have been shivering in strong winds and temperatures as low as 12 degrees in the mornings and evenings.  I didn't think I'd be looking around for jumpers in Nigeria.  The roadside sellers have started wearing Santa hats, shops and restaurants are decorated with artificial trees and tinsel and the school had a service of nine lessons and carols last Sunday so slowly it's beginning to sink in that it'll be Christmas day next week.

Here's something that our Scottish church put on its newsletter last week.  You may have seen it before but it's worth thinking about.

Santa lives at the North Pole,

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh,

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year,

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies,

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited,

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa,

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap,

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hello little boy/girl, what's your name?"

JESUS knew your name before you did. Not only does He know your name, He knows your address too. He knows your history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly,

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is the laughter of: HO HO HO,

JESUS offers present help, hope for the future and the certainty of His kingdom.

Santa says "You better not cry!"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys,

JESUS makes new lives, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but,

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,

JESUS became the greatest gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. Jesus the Son of God entering this world, born into time to be both Saviour and Lord is WHO and what Christmas is all about.

Acts 4:12, Matthew 1:21