ADVENTure Day 16
On Saturday, Leanne and I were out finishing up some Christmas shopping when we ran into Santa Claus. We had seen him earlier in the day at Wegmans (our local grocery store), so we were surprised to see him again at a different store several miles away. We have not done the whole “Santa thing” for our kids. Before you call me a Scrooge, I hope you’ll listen to my story.
At the second store, Santa was talking to a little boy. The conversation went something like this:
Santa: “Hello, what is your name, little boy?”
Little Boy: “My name is Billy. I talked to you this week on the phone. My Mom helped me call you.”
Santa: “Oh, yes. I remember. It’s great to meet you in person, Billy. Have you been a good boy?”
Little Boy: “Yes. I’ve been a good boy, Santa.”
Santa: “Well, this is good to hear. I know you told me on the phone, but what is it you want for Christmas? I forgot, and I want to make sure I have it right on my list.”
The conversation went on for a couple more minutes before the little boy rejoined his father at the check-out. The boy was grinning from ear to ear, and so were many of the customers who had just witnessed this conversation.
This little interaction got me thinking. Those who dress up as Santa Claus at Christmas time have a big responsibility. They represent the hopes and dreams of little boys and girls all over the world. The Santa at this store did a great job carrying the expectations of this little boy. And it was incredible to see the joy on his face following this conversation.
As Christians, we have a big responsibility as well. We represent Christ and other Christ followers to a lost and broken world. People will often decide to pursue Christ based on the actions of Christians. Are they (are we) real? Do they (do we) represent the message of Christ with integrity? Do we give people a reason to expect great things? Just as this store version of Santa has an important legacy to represent to kids who come into his store, we have a very important legacy and message to represent to everyone. Let’s take this responsibility seriously, and let’s represent Christ well.
ADVENTure Activity: Make a list. In your opinion, who represents Christ well? What have they done to be included on your list?
ADVENture Question: What is something you can do today to represent Christ well? Why do you think this is important when you think about Advent and Christmas?
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. Proverbs 10:28