When our first two children were very young our next door neighbor gave us an inflatable Santa.
The following day was Christmas Eve and that evening after we tucked them in and said our prayers (a special one was whispered for Santa’s safe flight) it was time to get ready for the excitement of the next morning. The tree was trimmed, presents were wrapped and the cookies and milk placed near the fireplace for Santa to enjoy. As we were getting ready for bed I remembered the inflatable Santa hidden so carefully in the hall closet. So down I went and as I huffed and puffed I honestly thought my final breath was being sucked out of me.
Santa was a pleasant looking fellow, I’d say about four feet tall, with rosy cheeks, red suit with black belt, and the ever present impish smile we have all come to love. But I was exhausted so I left Chris Kringle in the foyer at the bottom of the stairs and went to bed. Not long afterwards I heard the door to one of my cherub’s bedrooms open and listened as the second one soon did the same. They turned on the hall light and quietly started down the stairs. A moment later we heard their loud voices scream, “He’s still here.” We laughed as they both scampered back upstairs and slammed their bedroom doors shut. That’s right! They saw the inflated Santa and thought he was for real. They stayed in their rooms until noon while mom and dad enjoyed a good night’s rest.
There will never be a reason to call out, “He’s still here.” when it comes to the Father and the Son.
Read the words of Moses as recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy,
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
We all have the sinful tendency to separate ourselves occasionally from the teachings of God. It is a decision made by choice and is up to us to reunite with Him. He remained the steadfast Shepherd and the ever present watchful Father and we the ones who strayed. As we seek this reunion through prayer and petition admitting our failures and asking for His forgiveness we will be encouraged knowing, “He’s still here.”
Read with hope Psalm 22.
Manna and Coffee 