Santa's coming...but Jesus!

While Brian and I were away a few weeks ago, I learned that one of the specialties of Budapest is beautifully carved wooden Santas. Each one is unique—and quite pricey. We decided that as a special souvenir, we would get a small ornament for our tree.

To be honest, I don’t have a single Santa in my house, but for some reason, this Santa felt different.

When we returned home and I placed this special Santa on our tree, it brought back one of my earliest Christmas memories—a memory that wasn’t exactly a happy one.

I was raised by a single immigrant parent whose family of origin didn’t celebrate Christmas. Sure, there was gift-giving, but there was no Santa and certainly no talk of Jesus.

I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but I do remember the first time I became aware of Santa. At school, the other kids were buzzing with excitement—Santa was coming! I saw him in cartoons: a big, jolly stranger who magically came down chimneys, out through fireplaces, and left presents under Christmas trees. It sounded too good to be true, but I couldn’t help feeling the hope and excitement that maybe, just maybe, Santa would come to my house too.

Then it hit me: we didn’t have a fireplace. Panic set in.

Determined not to let this stop Santa, I decided to help him out. On Christmas Eve, I left a plate of cookies, a glass of milk, a carrot for Rudolph, and, as an extra-special treat, a box of Smarties (because it was Santa’s first visit to my house). I even unlocked the front door so he wouldn’t have any trouble getting in. I didn’t tell my mom about my plan, of course. I hid the goodies on a small table beside the tree.

But, as she did every night, my mom locked the front door before going to bed.

When I woke up on Christmas morning, I ran to the tree, expecting to see new presents and an empty plate. But nothing had changed. The cookies, milk, carrot, and Smarties were still there. The door was locked. Santa hadn’t come.

I was crushed. How could my mom lock Santa out? I was miserable, and my poor mom was utterly confused. It wasn’t a nice Christmas for either of us.

Looking back, I realize it was easier to blame my mom for my disappointment than to face the truth: Santa wasn’t real. That Christmas, I learned a hard lesson—when we put our hope in the wrong things, we’re bound to be disappointed.

Years later, I learned to place my hope in something, or rather someone, who never disappoints. I put my hope and faith in God. Unlike Santa, God is real. He is always with us. He is a God of abundant love, unshakable joy, and enduring hope.

Santa could never make promises like these found in Scripture:

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

This special Santa on my tree will now serve as a reminder that points me back to Jesus!

This Advent season, don’t put your hope in things that might disappoint. Instead, place your hope in Jesus—Immanuel, God with us. He is the true source of love, joy, and peace.

Keep your fork

Have You Heard the Story About the Fork?

There was once a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and given just three months to live. As she prepared her affairs, she invited her pastor over to discuss her final wishes. With grace and thoughtfulness, she shared her plans: the hymns she wanted sung, the scriptures she wanted read, and even the clothes she wished to wear. She also asked to be buried with her favorite Bible.

As they finished, the pastor prepared to leave, but the woman suddenly lit up, remembering something important.

“Oh, there’s one more thing!” she said with a smile.
“What’s that?” he asked.

She replied, “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The pastor was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what she meant. But the woman’s eyes twinkled as she explained:

“In all my years of attending church potlucks, there was one thing I loved hearing most as the main dishes were cleared: ‘Keep your fork.’ That simple phrase always meant that something better was coming—dessert! Maybe velvety chocolate cake, maybe deep-dish apple pie. I knew it was going to be something special, something sweet and satisfying.

So, when people see me in that casket holding a fork, I want them to wonder, ‘What’s with the fork?’ And then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork—the best is yet to come.’”

The pastor, moved by her words, hugged her tightly. He knew her time on earth was short, but her confidence in the promise of heaven was a testimony that would inspire many.

At the funeral, as friends passed by her casket, they noticed her beautiful dress, her well-loved Bible, and the fork in her hand. Over and over, they asked the same question: “What’s with the fork?” Each time, the pastor smiled. During the eulogy, he shared the story, and hearts were stirred by the message: Keep your fork—the best is yet to come.

This past week, I lost a dear friend to a long battle with cancer. She was faithful, strong, and courageous, and her unshakable trust in God humbled all of us who knew her. Shortly after her passing, a mutual friend sent me a picture of a fork hanging on her Christmas tree. The caption read: “Peggy is enjoying dessert.”

Amen and amen.

So, next time you reach for a fork, let it remind you, oh so gently, that spiritually speaking, the best truly is yet to come.(Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 13:14; Ephesians 2:4-6; Colossians 3:1; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 1:3-4)

God will meet all your needs

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

I still remember a pivotal moment early in our marriage. After hearing a powerful message on giving, Brian and I found ourselves wrestling with how to respond. Over coffee one Sunday, we decided to ask our pastor for advice. We were full of questions: Should we give to the church or to other organizations? What percentage should we give? Should it be before or after taxes? This year or next?

Our pastor listened patiently and then, with a kind smile, asked us a question that struck right at the heart of our concerns: “Are you asking what’s the least you can give and still be considered generous?”

We sheepishly admitted, “Yes.”

His response was simple yet profound: “Why don’t you just start somewhere?”

And so we did. We began giving, even in small ways, and we quickly saw the truth of God’s promise in Philippians 4:19 unfold in our lives.

In this verse, Paul is writing to people who have given generously to support his ministry. He reassures them from his own experiences—times of both abundance and need—that God is faithful. No matter the circumstances, Paul confidently proclaims that “My God”—a deeply personal declaration of trust—“will meet all your needs.”

Notice the breadth of this promise: God will meet all your needs, not according to the limits of human resources, but according to the inexhaustible riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Whatever you’re facing today—whether it’s a relational, physical, spiritual, or financial challenge—remember this: Your scarcity does not limit God’s generosity.

I want to encourage you to take a moment today to recommit to living generously in whatever way God leads you. Whether it’s giving your time, resources, or talents, trust that God will faithfully provide for your needs. Bring your concerns to God, and rest in the assurance that God’s abundance is more than enough.