The gift that brings joy comes from sacrifice.

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“…but God shows his love for us
in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.”  
Romans 5:8 English Standard Version

DISCLAIMER: I have nothing against Santa Claus. One of my fondest childhood memories was one of our Christmas Eve celebrations at my grandparents. We waited outside the house looking for Santa to fly over us in his sleigh. When my grandparents opened the house we saw that Santa had already been there and he had left a Lionel train.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

But what I also remember about that night was spending time at Grace Lutheran Church telling and hearing the story of Jesus’ birth. There is a difference between the story of Santa Claus and the truth of Jesus Christ. No sacrifice is needed for the gifts that Santa brings. The gift Jesus brings is his sacrifice. Santa makes us feel happy for a moment. Jesus brings joy that lasts for eternity.

Santa didn’t die for anyone. Christ has died for the world. The gifts placed under our trees are expressions of love and a tradition worth holding on to, but they will grow old, break and lose their attraction. The gift that Jesus brings will never fade. It will never break. It will never lose its appeal. Why? Because his gift is born of sacrifice.

There is joy in the sacrifice of Christ.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner