I Only See The Heart

Kathryn and I went to Billings on Saturday to do some shopping. We had a nice time, got some great bargains, and had a nice oriental lunch.

I was wearing a Santa Claus cap with a button pinned on the front that reads “Jesus is the reason for the season.”   I’ve had it for over 25 years, and have found it to be a wonderful witnessing tool. 

We were standing in line waiting to check out at one of the stores, when I saw a little girl, probably about three years old looking at me.  She tugged on her mama’s sleeve, got her attention and pointed at me. Her mom smiled, and I winked at her. The girl’s eyes got big, and she said to the mother, “It’s Santa!

Well, when one puts on the costume, one must play the role. So I put on my best Father Christmas voice, ho ho hoed and said, “Well, that looks like a good little girl.” The kid just beamed. The mother said, with a little twinkle in here eye, “Well, I don’t know about that.”  I, still in the role, said. “Oh, mama,  You know, I only see the heart.”

As a somewhat straight laced Christian,  I don’t do Santa Claus. I don’t condemn those who do, that’s between them and God. It’s just that I don’t. I think the Santa Clause cap is not sending a mixed message, it is, after all, a witnessing tool.

But I could no more bring grief to that little child, who knows no better, than anything.  I love little kids, with their innocence and wonder at the world too much for that.

I got to thinking, OK, people may teach their children that Santa may not forgive your trespasses, and bring a stocking full of ashes and switches, but Jesus forgives. All you have to do is ask. See, like Santa, Jesus only sees the heart.

Agape
Lee