Believe

It was Christmas Eve 1971. Following our Christmas tradition, the cookies were baked, decorated, and set out with a cold glass of milk. Right where Santa could find them! I hopped in bed, pulled the covers up close, and watched out the window, just hoping for a glimpse of Santa as he cruised the moonlit sky that night. For some reason, that year brought a special desire to see the Big Guy in action and it was the perfect night to spot him!

You can imagine my delight when I DID!

Just like I read about in the Christmas stories, I saw Santa’s reindeer pulling him and his sleigh across the beautiful moon in the Colorado sky. It took my breath away. I rubbed my eyes and looked again. Yep, it was him! Well, this was news to be shared, not kept to myself! So, I hopped out of bed and ran to the living room to tell Mom and Dad. They were going to be sooooo excited!

You can imagine my surprise when Dad, seeing that I had disobeyed by getting up, disappointingly shook his head and told me to go back to bed. It wasn’t Santa; it was clouds that I had seen, and I needed to get back in bed right now. I’m guessing that it was my fallen face that reminded him in that moment that I was only five years old, and I truly believed that Santa was coming to our house that night. Perhaps it was my mom’s horror-stricken face as she stood behind me that clued him in to his misstep. Whatever it was, he mostly recovered when he told me that even if it was Santa, he wouldn’t be able to come to our house if I was still awake. So I better get back to bed. Right now.

But it was probably just clouds.

Have you had a similar situation where someone caused you to question your belief in Santa? Your belief in yourself? Your confidence in your calling from the Lord? The world is filled with nay-sayers. From the time of creation, the enemy of our souls has been questioning what we know to be true. Trying to plant doubt in our faith garden. But even the most expert nay-sayers can’t actually change the truth from what it is – the truth. They can only try to plant doubt. God’s word stands – even when questioned. As His children, we too can stand strong on His truth – even when questioned.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

I don’t know if it was my Irish stubbornness or what I had just witnessed that helped me silently respond, “Its OK, Dad. Even if you don’t believe that I saw Santa, I have enough belief for the two of us!” And I climbed back in bed undeterred by his doubt, knowing that Santa would be making his stop at our house that night.

The next morning, the cookies were gone and just a trace of milk was left in the glass. And wouldn’t you know it….there were plenty of presents under the tree from the Big Guy himself! Reflecting now on that experience, I also am reminded of the big smiles on my parents’ faces as my brother and I delighted in the gifts left for us. As Dad witnessed our joy that morning, I think he rediscovered a measure of his own belief as well. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

When someone questions what you know the Lord has spoken, stand firm. God is not shaken by questioning and it does not change what He has said. Let the Holy Spirit do what only He can in the heart of that person, drawing them to Himself with kindness. You, stand strong in what you know! 

You are adored.