My Feature Blogger this week is Russell Brown of Russellings of the Spirit. I’ve featured Russ before because, well, I just plain like the guy. But ALSO because this “retired Methodist pastor, father, grandfather, stumbler, seeker, and servant” always–always–has something worthy and wise to say!
place and time.
On our morning walk today, I saw a sign in a neighbor’s front yard that read: “JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.”
And being the eager Jesus follower I am, I responded with a hearty,“Heck yeah! That’s right, brother/sister/non-binary ally, whoever you are! You’re telling some serious truth right there.”
In that moment, I was caught up in that perennial Yuletide fervor that requires Christians to moan and wail about the gross commercialization of “our” sacred season.“Fie on Santa and his elves and all of their heathen merry-making! People need to focus a lotMOREon the story of God’s miraculous, world-changing incarnation and a lotLESSon finding the best recipe for homemade EGGNOG!”
And of course, that is all true.
But what if… what…
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Mitch Teemley 
The other stark difference between Jesus and Santa, and even from St. Nicholas and Santa as we have reimaged him, is that the gifts given by Jesus are truly gifts. They are symbols of his love for us. These were the same as St. Nicholas’ gifts in the 250 years after Jesus. But now, in order to qualify for the gifts Santa brings, you have to earn them with good behavior. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Eternal life is a real doozy of a gift!!!
Giving presents to people who have earned them is not really giving gifts, it’s paying for performance…a bonus or wages. You have to be on the “nice” list to get a present. Because Bobby put laxative into Millie’s shake, he doesn’t earn an X-Box this year. The Spirit of Christmas is love. Gifts are not payment for good behavior. They are given despite behavior.
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Mitch; thank you so much for the reblog. It means the world to me.
Christmas blessings to you and yours.
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You too, my friend!
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Mitch has accurately portrayed you, Pastor Brown. You really do have “something worthy and wise to say!” Seeing how you’ve so adeptly blogged Jesus and Santa into a state of peaceful co-existence, how about, next, resolving DC’s DisCordance?
I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Thank-you for sharing this. I loved his post. ^_^
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Thank you for sharing this post and blogger, Russell. I enjoy his writing, just as yours. You two remind me of one another and I’ve gained so much through following him, and you. Great share, Mitch!
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Well, then, on behalf of both of us, thank you back, Karla!
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You’re both welcome, Mitch! 😊👏🏻
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