(Jesus said) - "And people will come from the east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the Kingdom of God. Luke 13:29

Parent's Note: This devotion mentions Santa Claus. It is recommended that parents read through and interpret according to your family's practice before sharing it with your little ones. Thank you. Pastor Klaus

Do you remember, from earlier in the week when I spoke of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)?

No? Well, that's okay. You may not want to. This Wisconsin group, which has appointed itself a watchdog to make sure religion doesn't show up anywhere it doesn't want it, is once again on the warpath.

Yup, the FFRF folks have sent a letter to the Franklin County Commissioners in Brookville, Indiana. The letter said the commissioners ought to take down the nativity scene which is on civic property. If the civic leaders don't want to do that, they could add a figure of Santa Claus to the display.

It seems the FFRF folk believe putting Santa in the picture makes the whole thing secular, which just goes to show how wrong these folks can be.

If you were to ask the original Santa if he would like to be in the stable rubbing elbows with shepherds and wise men as they worship the baby Jesus, he probably would be all for it. You see, Saint Nicholas was first, foremost and always, a Christian man.

Indeed, some of our Christmas customs are directly linked to Santa. For example, we hang our stockings by the chimney with care because it recalls some of Santa's legendary acts of charity.

Which means ... probably for the first and only time, I am in agreement with the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Let's put Santa into the picture ...

... and as long as we're putting Santa in, let's take one of our photographs and put us in, too.

After all, Jesus came into this world not just for the shepherds or the magi; Jesus was born to save you and me, and all who are sinners, including Santa.

Now, because of what Jesus has done, the Holy Spirit calls people from the east, west, north, and south and, I guess, that would also mean He could gather somebody from the North Pole, too.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, send Your Holy Spirit upon this sad, sinful and sorrowful world. Touch hearts so they may gather in repentance before You, who alone can save. This I ask in Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Esther 9-10    Revelation 14

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