My Hero That Night

I walked into my office last Friday morning and it looked like a train wreck. For two days before I had been earnestly working on setting up a new computer and needless to say, not everything was cooperating. The operating systems are different between my old and new computers, which has a tendency to create conflict while trying to move data from one to the other. It feels like pushing a truck with four flat tires up a hill. It can become totally frustrating at times and when I can’t figure out the problem then it’s time to spend an hour on the phone with a program tech to get their product up and running again. The best part about that process today is the fact that one can turn the control of the computer over to the tech to allow them to do their magic in short order. The mouse arrow is scooting all over the screen and windows are flipping open and closed at break-neck speed - wham, bam - it’s working again. I thanked the young lady for her help and wish I could kiss her for bailing me out. Then I sat back and sighed with relief, another upgrade is installed; now to learn how to use it. Why go through all the trouble when the old computer is working just fine you ask? Updates have come to a halt because the processor in my antique tower is too slow for the newer operating systems and any upgrades for most programs. Technology has once again advanced to the point where I must catch up, or wave bye-bye to the world of 1’s & 2’s.

This year social media is full of the thought that Christ needs to be put back into Christmas. Here are some thoughts as to why Jesus is better than Santa. Santa lives at the North Pole > Jesus is everywhere. Santa comes by once a year > Jesus is an ever present help. Santa fills our stockings with goodies > Jesus supplies all our needs. Santa comes down our chimney uninvited > Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting to enter your heart. You have to wait in line to see Santa > Jesus is as close as the mention of his name. Santa lets you sit on his lap > Jesus lets you rest in his arms. Santa doesn’t even know your name > Jesus knew your name before you were born. He even knows how many hairs are on your head. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly > Jesus has a heart full of love and compassion. All Santa can offer is Ho-Ho-Ho > Jesus offers Health, Help and Hope. Santa says, “You better not cry…” > Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me and I will give you rest.” Santa’s little helpers make toys > Jesus makes life anew; mends wounded hearts; repairs broken homes; and builds mansions. Santa gives you a chuckle > Jesus gives you joy! – That is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree > Jesus became our gift, and died on the tree.

[Luke 2: 1-7] It’s obvious there is really no comparison between Santa and Jesus. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back into Christmas; Jesus is still the reason for the season. Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) so trusted in God, but I can’t help thinking he must have felt like he had been thrown under the bus when he escorted Mary into that stinky animal corral the night of Jesus’ birth. Pregnant and ready to deliver, poor Mary probably couldn’t travel very fast and by the time they arrived in Bethlehem, any reservation Joseph had made for their stay was long given away to other travelers – there was no room. Joseph is my hero of the night, trusting in God and making do with what he had to work with. In awe, he witnessed God at work. I pray to do the same one day, in heaven above.