Last Saturday, Samantha and I went shopping together. She was thrilled to be spending her own money buying presents for various family members. As we shopped, I thought about how this Christmas would be different for her in a variety of ways, the main one being the fact that she now knows the truth about Santa. We had “the talk” a few weeks ago when she cornered me. I was relieved that she wasn’t a heartbroken weepy mess (though I was on the inside…). She handled it really well.
While we were out shopping, we couldn’t help but walk by Santa on his big Santa throne. There was nobody in line so I glanced at Samantha and said, “Do you want to go see him?” I fully expected her to say no. She looked at me, shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess so!”
We walked toward Santa. The woman whose job it is to take pictures barely looked at us. Santa looked at Samantha and said, “Now, you look familiar!”
Really, Santa? Familiar? Is that the best you can do? You’re supposed to know every kids name and if they have been bad or good! Now, I don’t expect you to greet us with a “Hey there Samantha! How’s my favorite 7 year old?” but you could at least say something like, “How is my little sweetie doing today?” or something a bit more believable than “You look familiar!”
So the three of us are looking at each other and I prompt Samantha with “Why don’t you tell Santa what you want for Christmas?” And I realize that Samantha is looking… nervous.
She fidgets with her hands and says, “I want one of those dogs that look like they are breathing when they are lying down.” Santa responds, “Well, I’ll have to see what my elves have been working on in the toy shop and see if we have any of those this year!”
And we wandered away from Santa. He never asked her if she wanted to sit on his lap and he never even gave her a coloring book from the stack sitting next to him! I felt like we were interrupting his lunch or maybe he wasn’t Santa… just an old white haired man who was taking a rest! When we were out of earshot, Samantha says, “Mom, that was weird. I don’t even know why I did that! He didn’t even ask me to sit on his lap.” I had to laugh. She was right. It was wacky.
 |
| One of Samantha's earliest visits to Santa... even then, she wasn't impressed! |
I have been thinking a lot about why Samantha even agreed to go and see Santa. She knew he wasn’t real… and yet, she had this desire deep inside to tell him what she wanted… the secrets of her heart. Perhaps she was just hoping that maybe it would make a difference. Maybe she wanted to believe that he really was real and just might get her what she was hoping for.
Of course, now I’m in a real pickle because I know she must really want this dog and I bought her an art easel... But that’s a whole other issue.
As I have pondered Samantha's strange Santa visit, it's made me think about my own life. And it makes me ask the question: What it is that you long for deep within? What is it that you wish you could ask for even if you don’t believe it could make a difference? We all have a need, desire, or secret wish that we don’t dare talk about with anyone because it’s just… too personal.
Maybe you never thought of it as a Christmas present before but if you could ask Santa for just one thing, no matter how impossible, what would it be?
For some, it might be to finally find that one person who makes your heart soar… For others it might be that the pregnancy test would finally come up positive… And I’m sure there are others who would ask for a better marriage, more financial stability, the healing of a loved one… or maybe you just want an end to the loneliness you are feeling.
I pondered what it would be for me. It took time for me to come up with what I would ask for and it was tough because it is one of those things that, like I said, we don’t talk about with others.
If I were to be really honest about my one thing, though, it would be that I would have more joy in my “job”. Maybe you can relate. No matter what job you’re in, maybe you’re not satisfied or maybe you feel like you really aren’t making a difference or maybe it just doesn’t feel “fun” anymore.
I know I’m supposed to say that being a mom is “the greatest job ever” but lately, that’s not how it feels. When I only had two kids, I loved going out places with them and doing fun things but at this point, I’m just not feeling it. And I don’t usually call up any of my friends to say, “Hey, I’m really not having fun doing this job.” You don’t either. Heaven forbid we show that we have weakness…or that we’re human. No, we put on our happy face and tell the world that everything is GREAT!
Now before you read any further let me assure you that I’m not going anywhere. My marriage is great. My kids are awesome. I’m not looking for a new job and I’m not depressed… but I wish that I had more excitement and enthusiasm for the day to day activities that seem to be so mundane. Deep within, in the areas that I don’t talk about with others, I have a need.
So, Santa, what can you do for me?
Unfortunately, he is just as likely to help me with my problems (unless he moonlights as a maid) as he is to get Samantha that dog that she wants.
What if this year, instead of burying our problems deep within or just “hoping” for a better outcome, what if we brought them to the manger… to someone who really can help? For me, I believe that Jesus is real. He wants to hear from me, from you, from all of us. He wants to know our deep desires and bring us joy, like a father who is Christmas shopping for his kids and trying to get the very best present.
Samantha took a risk in talking to a man she didn’t believe in because she hoped that he might change her outcome. Who knows maybe it will. What about you? Maybe you don’t think that Jesus could possibly respond to your need. Maybe you think he will hear it but remain painfully silent. Even if it seems impossible, why not take some time this season to talk to the “man upstairs”?
The great thing about Jesus is that he really does know your name and won’t say, “You look familiar” when you approach him. He will listen to you, hold you, and love you despite the pain and difficult situations you bring to him. And fortunately for us, his availability extends beyond December 24th.
As we approach Christmas, I guess that I simply want you to know that there is hope. You’re not alone. We ALL have difficult situations we are dealing with, especially at this time of year, and there is someone who cares. And if you’re honest with yourself and you find you are a place where you really do have things in your heart that you need to share with someone, don’t keep it inside! Give it to Jesus (and maybe even share it with a close friend)… and see what happens. That’s where real miracles begin.
My kids have been reminding me lately that, “Nothing is impossible with God.” And I’m so grateful. This Christmas I’m going to give it all to him. No harm in asking for it. And I know he will hear and answer. And he will for you too…
And while we’re on the topic, Jesus may choose to use YOU to be an answer to someone else’s prayers so keep your eyes wide open for opportunity!
Merry Christmas, dear friends! From my heart to yours, may this Christmas truly be one to remember… for all of us!
