Occupying a high perch on a living room shelf, he appeared to be keeping watch over our two grandsons as their mother pulled a favorite bedtime story from the shelf and began reading about the Christmas Elf. The younger of the two watched intently—eyes transfixed on the little stuffed creature—the expression on his face revealed an element of suspicion mixed with wonder. Clearly, the wheels were turning—spinning as if trying to generate a plausible explanation. How did this mysterious elf find his way into our new house? How could he move in the night to a new location? And, most importantly, how could he report my good or bad deeds to those responsible for the gifts received on Christmas morning?
Most of us remember feeling a bit more motivated to “be good” and “do good” during the month of December. This feeling was centered around our hope in what might be waiting for us under the tree. Whether parents or children, half the fun of Christmas is the anticipation. Every family has their rituals—expected traditions that become cherished memories. In the end, gifts are unwrapped, expressions of gratitude are exchanged and life moves on—hopefully, with renewed feelings of love and acceptance. So far as material gifts are concerned, some do not make it through the activities of the day before they are broken and discarded. At best, the newness wears off even as we continue to find the gift useful for many days to come.
It is the challenge of Christian parents and grandparents to draw a clear contrast in the minds of children between the magical, fantasy world of Christmas and the realities of the Christian faith.Though God is watching over us and will judge us for the deeds we have done whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10), He is not some sort of lifeless object moved and manipulated by human will. Nor is His reward based on human merit—for we all stand in need of His grace (Rm. 3:23; 6:23).Our eyes are fixed on Him, not because of suspicion or doubt but because of an evidenced faith (Hb. 11:1; 12:2). Though the day of our reward is unknown (Mt. 24:36), our expressions of gratitude and feelings of love and acceptance will continue through endless ages. The glorious reward of the faithful Christian will never lose its attraction for it is “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away.” It is “protected by the power of God” and “ready to be revealed” on the last day (1 Pet. 1:4-5). This is the great day coming—the day that holds our attention and captures our heart.
–Glen Elliott–