Do you believe what you can’t see?
Is there a Santa Clause? That was my daughter’s question as she sought the truth to answer the doubts that had begun to arise. Every part of me wanted to say, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause! That’s exactly what I did because I could not lie to my daughter.
God spoke to me at that moment to determine the correct words to say and I began to see the link between Father “Christ”-mas, the father of Christ, and what we have evolved into the name Santa Clause. Yes, I know the tales of Santa Clause stem from St. Nicolas who left gifts for the poor many centuries ago, but that also has deep roots in believing in something you never will see that brings you gifts. Isn’t that what God offers us? Isn’t that what faith is, believing in what we cannot see?
As I thought of this, I realized that Santa Clause is a pathway for those who do not know or believe in God to believe they will receive a gift from a source they will never see. For children, they need something physical, tangible in their hands to fully understand receiving from a source that asks for nothing in return except your faith and love. As we evolve, we come to know Jesus as God’s gift to us on that Holy day. So, Santa could just be yet another name for God. Children believe in Santa so they can receive gifts. Those who have matured believe in Christ so we can experience all of God’s blessings here on earth and in Heaven.
Santa is the spirit of Christmas. The concept of this supernatural being illuminates this time of year with laughter, joy, gatherings, and most importantly charitable giving without receiving. Think of how many non-profits benefit from the giving of Christmas both monetarily and in tangible items. The over-commercialized concept of Santa has brought this on. People go to extra lengths to give and celebrate together. Maybe they aren’t praising the birth of Jesus, but they are connecting and where 2 or more are gathered I’ll say in love for those who do not yet know Christ, there the Church exists.
The overall joy of the season gives people hope, something to look forward to. That is what God does for those of us who believe. So, yes, Emily, there is a Santa Clause. He is the spirit of Christmas that helps us understand the love of God who gifted us with his only Son to enrich us with his love and guidance, die for our sins, and conquer death. Where some people just have the month of December to feel this love and joy, as believers, we get to experience this all year long! What a gift it is to believe in what you cannot see!
Matthew 13:16-17
But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
For many of you, you may be losing hope that your circumstances will change. Right before the verse above in Matthew 14-15, Christ guides the disciples of what the consequences are for not believing and for believing by saying:
‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise, they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’ a
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Task
Stretch: Let’s open our ears to hear and pull on our ears. I know this sounds so silly, but it really feels wonderful. Grab any part of your ear and pull up, down, back, or forward. When you feel tension, hold the stretch allowing your ears to open. What sensations do you feel? Increased warmth, an opening of the sinuses, or maybe a softening in your jaw? Be aware of the connections in your body.
Exercise: Grab your theraband/ resistant band, drape it around a railing, and grab one end of the band with each hand. Turn that core on and walk away, then slowly return. You can do this facing the railing or turning away from it.
Habitual Change: No tv or electronics at night. It will jazz your brain and make sleep not restful.
Perspective enlightenment: I believe.
Journaling option: What do I struggle to believe or think would be impossible? Picture this to be possible. Write out what it would look and feel like to believe in the impossible. I read that Queen Elizabeth does this so she eliminates all thoughts of the impossible.
This week’s blog post coincides with week 10: Thank you. We need to give thanks to God for he is good! I also encourage you to start your full online Voyage to HEAL. Click here to visit the store. I will also be holding the Voyage to HEAL Weekend Excursion on November 11th-12th, 2022 and again on March 3-4, 2023. Visit Products- Weekend Excursion for more information and to register. Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn