Friday, December 8, 2023
I never saw Santa Claus strategically placing presents under our tree on Christmas Eve, but I knew joy would fill the empty space while I slept.
My childhood faith in the unseen brought rest during unrestful moments. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy delivered the promises from previously told tales. Thankfully, in my home, there was never a letdown. Kids choose to believe the stories adults tell without proof. It’s genuine faith—and this trust is how we are to approach God’s Kingdom.
Luke 18:17
“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Christmas, above all else, is magical. Although some Christian adults feel Santa Claus erases the true meaning of Christmas, I can’t remember a single time when my mother failed to deliver the spiritual truth of the holiday season. Mom constantly reminded us of Jesus’ birth and focused on the Three Wise Men. Their response is a wonderful example of this childlike faith in action. They followed a star, hoping it would lead them to the Messiah.
Hebrews 11:1
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
The Three Wise Men weren’t the only ones who heard the prophecy of the newborn King, but they faithfully sought him out when others stood still. It’s harder for adults to believe in the unseen, so it’s easier for our faith to waver. Faith isn’t blindly following instructions. You should doubt your doubts and ask questions to understand the invisible. After all, there’s a point to faith, and seeking answers will make it stronger.
Watching children be captivated by the Christmas spirit can be a wonderful reminder to us all. Not only is it an opportunity to invite children into God’s Kingdom before they’re hindered with doubt and skepticism, but seeing pure faith through the eyes of a child is also an invitation for us all to open our hearts and rekindle our childlike faith and wonder in God. This is the type of faith Jesus calls us to.
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
Questions:
What does faith mean to you? How has faith changed the way you approach life?
Next Steps:
Read The Christmas Bible Story. Share the role faith plays in the Christmas story. Be proactive and share your faith with people who don’t know Jesus.
Prayer:
God, I receive more spiritual understanding the more I dive into my faith, and I thank you for that. You will not abandon me when I need you the most or when I forget I need you at all. I will continue to have faith in you, my story within your story, and in the things I’m not meant to know. Amen.
Parent Resource:
Read Luke 1:39-56 together as a family. Create a playlist of everyone’s favorite Christmas carols and worship songs. Play it all week, and sing along!
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 16:11(ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.