Naughty or Nice?

Jolly old St. Nicholas

Lean your ear this way

Do tell every single soul

What I am going to say

I have seen you a lot around town lately - even in my own house! I have never written to you before and I have just this one request:

Dear Santa please define good

You see, this year, I have been angry and bitter. I have  lacked patience. I have coveted a cleaner house, more obedient kids and a fancier purse; thus I have struggled with contentment. I have been selfish with my time and talents. I have been proud, judgemental and critical of my friends and family. I have been fearful, thinking that if I do not love myself there would be noone left to love me quite so well as I do and I have persuaded myself that there is nonone out there who is worthy to be loved more than myself  (Milton Vncent).

Did I mention that I have also been boastful and resentful?... But other than that I have been pretty good...! I mean, I have never killed anyone, robbed a bank, cheated on my husband or any of that big stuff  bad people do. I am a good citizen and neighbor, I pay my taxes, go to church every Sunday (well most Sundays) and volunteer at my son's school...

So does any of that count? Have I been good enough? Will you stop by my house and bring me that SLR camera I REALLY want for Christmas?

With all due respect, Dear Santa, if you are out there looking for goodness, you will find none! The Word of God is clear.  Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It (the Bible) also teaches that our righteous standing is based solely on the work of Jesus Christ and not ours.

In the words of Milton Vincent, and contrary to what the world tells us, I never have to do a moment's labor to gain or maintain my justified status before God. Freed from the burden of such task I can put my energies to enjoying God, pursuing holiness and ministering God's grace to others.

Have I shocked you by sharing my struggles with sin? Why? The shameful slaughter of God's one perfect son already told you I am a desperetely sinful person... I'll be honest - you are a fine fellow and make for a nice decoration but I am eternally thankful that I do not have to strive to be in your "Nice" list because God already loved me enough to sacrificie his Son's life for me and THAT IS the greatest gift a sinful soul like mine could ever receive.

Sincerely,

Cristina