Santa Claus Theology

Listening to some Christmas music online this morning, I had a moment of...clarity? Insanity? Not sure which, LOL! So, I figured I'd share with you and let you decide. Heh!

We've all heard the song, Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It's a classic tune that we've all sung as little children during the holiday season. I'm too lazy to look up the original author so if you want to know you'll have to be more inspired than I am. ;)

But, I do know the lyrics:

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

For whatever reason, as I listened today I found myself comparing the words to this song with the notion of God that I've seen many people espouse. That of an angry God. One that is coming and you better be good out of terror. Terror that He is making a list, checking it twice and will reward those that obey out of fear while eternally punishing those that didn't heed the warning.

I used to be one of those people. One that was terrorized at the thought of how righteous He was and how righteous He expected me to be....or else! Let me be clear here, I do not discount the effectiveness that such terror can initially have on a person and their relationship with God. I think He can and does use that teaching to His advantage (as He works good from all things) to draw people to Himself. I do think however, that it is merely a tool in an arsenal of many.

The scriptures teach that fear is the beginning of wisdom. Many teach that fear in this sense is the terror I once felt. Terror of hellfire. Terror of being sent there because I've done far worse than Adam and Eve or other biblical characters that I've read about. When I looked at their lives and compared them with my own, I absolutely knew I deserved a far worse fate than they did.

Through study and prayer, I've personally come to believe fear means reverence in this regard. We're also taught through scripture that perfect love casts out all fear. I came to know a God who loves perfectly. Though I do need to revere Him, in time He showed me that I do not need to live in terror of Him.

I do believe that He knows when I'm naughty or nice and that it matters to Him. Mostly because He's been showing me what love looks like and when we don't have others' best interest at heart, we are not loving them. And His desire is that we love Him and love one another.

May we all come to know very intimately, how perfect love casts out all fear and may we never subscribe to Santa Claus theology. ;)

~the Attimeister~