They say men have four stages of life – believing in Santa, not believing in Santa, playing Santa, and looking like Santa! I remember as a kid I was so excited when my mom told me “Santa” would be at my aunt’s house on Christmas Eve. She said we could sit on his lap and tell him what we wanted for Christmas. When the time came for Santa to enter the house, we kids lined up with joy and eagerly waited. He came through the front door, not the chimney, which was a bit confusing. Then he sat down on the couch and when it was my turn to sit on his lap, I remember seeing something very strange. As “Santa” talked to me in a somewhat familiar voice, I noticed his ring. I said, “Uncle Gerald has a ring just like you Santa.” I thought, “Did Santa know my uncle? Hey, where was Uncle Gerald so I could show him?”

I used to think Christmas was about Santa, exchanging gifts, and family gatherings. But those are imposters of the real Christmas. This Christmas season, like the many before it, imposters will try to convince you they possess the true meaning of Christmas. They will dress up real nice, call to you in a somewhat familiar voice, and make promises they just can’t deliver. These imposter’s names are materialism, greed, envy, jealousy, and pride. These will look good, but don’t give in to their slick and whimsical charm. Galatians 1:6-9 tell us that some come presenting a confusing and different gospel that isn’t really the gospel at all. This world will tell you Christmas is about parties and presents. Your flesh will tell you Christmas is about getting what you want or deserve. The devil will tell you Christmas is about anything other than Christ! Never fall for an imposter Christmas! Remember the first five letters in Christmas – CHRIST! Christmas is the Christ mass or the day we worship that Jesus Christ our Savior was born.

Question: Has an imposter Christmas whimsically charmed (deceived) you away from the real Christ?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.