As a little girl, I remember standing in line to see the big man dressed in red. He was larger than life and more jovial than most – and for good reason. He made everyone’s wishes come true. Ah, childhood.

Let’s face it. My climb on to Santa’s lap was done so with one mission in mind: To present him with “the” list — my list of wants, wishes, and desires. That’s all there was to it! A little exertion on my part, a quick rundown of my list, a cherry lollipop in hand, and I was on my way. All was right with the world.

I thought those days were behind me… until this past week, when I became all too aware of how many of my prayers began with:

“Show me…”
“Reveal to me…”
“Please heal…”
“Lord, bless…”

I had unknowingly traded a place at my Father’s feet for a place on “Santa’s” lap.

Granted, Jesus tells us throughout the New Testament to ask — there’s nothing wrong with asking. However, I would suggest that there is something very wrong in approaching our holy God much in the same way we once approached a minimum-wage ordinary man dressed up in a costume (and usually with a fake-o beard): a moment with Him, followed by a quick rundown of all our wants/desires, an expeditious departure from His presence, and a warm fuzzy feeling to boot (after all, we’re adults, who needs lollipops?).

I am resolved to never trading in a place at my Father’s feet again. Though warm fuzzy feelings are never a guarantee, the true presence of a holy, loving, forgiving and merciful Father is — and that’s more than this daughter of the King could ever ask for or imagine.

Merry Christmas to all!