Santa Clause

Last night we were watching Miracle on 34th Street and I realized at the end of the movie how much I want God to be Santa Clause. Look...he is Just, the bad get what they deserve and the good get rewarded for good behavior, ever year not just at the end of time.
He gives you what you ask for...He is gentle and kind and never angry...We have had this image of Santa every year and I think every year we want God to be more and more like him. Our prayers become more like wish lists and when we get what we want we think it is a result of good behavior, or faithful prayer on our behalf. When the 'bad' people get caught or get ill, we silently think that God had it out for them and they got what they deserved.
I wonder if maybe we continue to encourage this idea when we share this holiday with Santa...slowly but surely God is morphed into a benevolent old man who listens to our list and gives us what we want if we are really really good.
Santa looks better in comparison to the Mysterious Almighty who comes as a weak baby in the middle of oppression and war. There is no nostalgic warmth, wintry snow flakes and cute little elves ... it is scary Angels, devouring dragons, evil Kings, meek Shepherds, pregnant teenagers, wandering wise men, smelly stables and a small village in a forgotten country far far away. That won't do for a Christmas card...Santa looks much better. A much better brand for the Christmas season.
BUT...the cosmic story is so much better. A present under the tree does not compare to freedom from guilt. Elves and the North Pole doesn't shine as brilliantly as the empty tomb. The benevolent old man giving us pretty trinkets doesn't carry the same weight as the simple words of Jesus when he said, let the little children come or you have to be like a child to get anything about me. I want what I want, He gives what I need. Santa is safe, God is Glorious.
Santa gives presents, God gives life. Santa smiles gently, God roars from the heavens and whispers in the wind.
I know, none of you thinks that there is any comparison but watch yourself and listen to how we talk about prayer and justice. Santa creeps in too often and not just in our children stories.
Better watch out...Santa is coming to a prayer near you.