Heart Hope by Olga

If you have little ones in your life you have most likely heard of the book Elf on a Shelf . It describes how the elf in the house is watching the children for Santa so that he can provide a naughty and nice report. He moves from place to place and room to room so that he can supply a comprehensive list to the jolly old man about the behavior of the children. The elf is not the only one who is watching our conduct. God doesn't need to send out His helpers to see what we are doing. He already knows it; in fact He’s not just acquainted with our actions but our thoughts. This should make a difference in the way we live, but does it? Just because my grandchildren might think that an elf is watching their every move during the holiday season, it doesn't always affect their choices. Neither does the fact that God is watching me always influence my actions and reactions. What does this say about me? Does it say I really don't believe that an almighty, all powerful ...

Santa Claus is acceptable to most people, but Jesus isn’t. Santa is not threatening to anyone, but Jesus is controversial because He demands a decision. You don’t see people protesting the Santa at the mall, but let someone try to put a nativity in a town square and there is an uprising. Have you ever heard of anyone being offended when people don the furry red hats with white trim, but in some places teachers are prohibited from wearing a simple cross representing their faith in Jesus? Elementary classes every where can sing of Old St Nick, but Jesus cannot be mentioned in the lyrics sung at “holiday” programs. Is it fair? No way! Santa was created to represent the spirit of Christmas, but has become a distraction for the real meaning of Christmas. Children learn to revere Santa; but what are they being taught when Jesus, the real reason for Christmas cannot even be celebrated?  Adults go into debt to keep the myth of Santa alive so their children will “believe,” but neglect ...