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“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord ,
and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside
to the right hand or to the left.”
2 Kings 22:2

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822. It became the tradition in many American families to read the poem every Christmas Eve. The poem 'Twas the night before Christmas' has redefined our image of Christmas and Santa Claus.

After having heard this poem read many times as a child I remember waiting with great anticipation for Santa Claus on Christmas. I remember the sweet moment that I actually believed he was coming to our house that night on Christmas Eve. I went to our living room and gazed out of the window truly believing he was about to pass by in the sky in his sleigh. I was nervously thinking about seeing the reindeer and Rudolph's red nose. And I knew he was coming down our chimney, even though we did not have a chimney. (Smile) I believed he liked cookies, so I made sure he had a plate of cookies for a snack. I can't remember what I wanted for Christmas but the memory of the anticipation of waiting for Santa to appear cannot be erased.

Young King Josiah in 2 Kings22 grew up with a father, Amon, who did not teach his son godly ways. Amon followed his father adn did those things that were displeasing to God 2 Kings 21:19-22. But King Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord and took away and destroyed the evil practices of his father 2 Kings 22:2. Nelson's Bible Commentary says young Josiah apparently was in the hands of godly advisors, possibly the prophet Zephaniah. He repaired the house of God and after having the Word of God, the book of the law, read to him for the first time 2 Kings 22:8-11 he reestablished all those things that pleased God, including the celebration of the Passover Kings 23:21-22 which God had instructed His people to always observe Deuteronomy 16:1. The Passover was the celebration that points to the anticipation of the coming Messiah, the Lamb of God, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

My Pastor once did a message on “Corporate Praise”. He questioned what happens when we bless God? He challenged us that Christmas season to focus more on blessing God and asking, “What can I do for God?” instead of “What do I want for Christmas?”

As some say Santa Claus is just for fun, we shouldn't take away all the fun away from the children. So, what do you think will bless and please our God more, the story of Santa Claus or the sharing of the gift of the coming of the Messiah His Son? Colossians 1:10 Remember Jesus is our example to follow. John 8:29

Someone reared King Josiah in such a way he desired to do that which was pleasing to the Lord even after having a father and grandfather who did everything but please Him. Then after having read the Word of God he sought even more to do those things that were pleasing to Him.

Can you imagine having our children waiting with the same anticipation for our Savior more than Santa Claus?

God says, “_____________, (insert your name) have you taught your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews more about Santa Claus than My Son? When you say Christmas to them, do they ever mention Jesus like they mention Santa Claus? If you love me, teach My children about the Truth, the Way, the Life.

When I waited for Santa Claus that night I can't even remember the gift I wanted for Christmas but nothing can erase that feeling of the anticipation of the one who was bringing the gifts. I pray that God gives us an opportunity to make the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah as vivid as my anticipation of the coming of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Today's Prayer

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