SANTA CLAUS: An Engineer’s Perspective
B. Do we make it easier for them to believe in Jesus Christ through the faith they see in us?
If Santa were here today. . .
C. Santa might point us to 1 Peter 1:8:
(Speaking of Jesus)“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
TRANSITION: Again, it’s just wondering, but maybe if Santa were here today, he’d also say. . .
III. TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR GIVING
A. A substantial portion our of holiday gift-giving occurs as an exchange. We give presents to others that also give presents to us.
B. A truly sacrificial gift is something given to someone who cannot give back anything in return.
There is a legend about St. Nicholas that says he learned of a poor man who had 3 daughters, and didn’t have enough money for food. So Nicholas prayed for God to guide him on how he could help this family. Then he remembered the treasures of 3 bags of gold he had inherited from his parents. Late at night, Nicholas went to the home of the poor family, found the window slightly open, and slipped a bag of gold inside. The family had so much wealth from the one bag of gold that they were able to save enough for the oldest daughter to have a dowry, ensuring an honorable marriage. When Nicholas learned this, he also put his other 2 bags of gold through the family’s window at night so that they too could be happily married.
Some of the best gifts are the ones that no one knows you gave except you yourself. Some of the best gifts are ones given to people who have nothing at all.
Maybe there’s someone you could give to anonymously this year that’s in need. Maybe you could give to some children that have nothing to give you. I think if he were here. . .
C. Santa might point us to Acts 20:35:
(Paul says) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,...