6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
- Luke 2:6-7
Santa Claus is coming and we should all be afraid!
“You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town!”
Fear causes us to perform.
“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!”
Santa Claus can contribute to a distorted view of God.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
- Luke 2:8-9“...fear has to do with punishment.”
- 1 John 4:18
The birth of Christ reveals that God wants us to draw near to Him.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
- Luke 2:10-11
We can seek the Savior authentically without fear.
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
- Luke 2:15