Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Lauriault
Religion Columnist
I have wondered often how Santa could make it around the world in one night, and a short one at that because the kids will try to stay up late playing with toys they got during their family’s Christmas Eve ritual or in hopes of catching Santa, or both, and then arising early on Christmas morning to see what Santa left.
Although, because of Earth’s rotation and the division into 24time zones, midnight alone should last for 24 hours around the globe. Santa could have more than 30 hours if you can add an hour or two on the front end, if you can get the kids asleep by 10 p.m., and if you can add another five or six hours on the back end, if you can keep them in bed until 6 am., (it’s 6:15 am and our 6-year-old is already up, although it’s not a school day; taking on the countenance of a child wanting to open presents on Christmas morning, he got sent back to his room so others can continue sleeping and so I can finish this article). This all being said, I know there’s “magic” involved and it’s quite possible that Santa shows up everywhere at the same time.
The Bible says every eye will see Jesus at once when he returns and that the”rapture” won’t take long, after which the world be destroyed (Matthew 24:27-35; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 2 Peter 3:8-15; Acts 24:14-16 -the wicked also will be raised at that time). It seems that the glory of the Lord will dispel the darkness, as it did at his birth, and outshine thesun, and the angels will follow him to accomplish the “rapture” (Luke 2:8-14). As he’s already everywhere at all times, Jesus will become immediately visible everywhere at once when he returns (Psalm 139:7-12; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:16-20).
There’s a major difference between Santa’s coming and Jesus’ return, such that, if Santa visits your house, he’ll be unnoticed, finishing it during the night connecting Dec. 24 and 25. Nobody except God knows when Jesus will return although he’s set a day (Matthew 24:36-41; Acts 17:31).
Because we don’t know the day, we’re not to be distracted by anyone predicting his imminent return, but we’re to be ready at all times, watching, and expecting it to happen at any moment - in the twinkling of an eye (Matthew 24:26, 4-14, 42-51; 1 Corinthians 15:58). Things will go on pretty much as they have since before the time of Noah (marrying and giving in marriage, etc.; watching for Santa instead of Jesus). Therefore, many will forget to keep ready and their love for God will grow cold. Others will challenge the concept of Jesus’ return and even the reality of Jesus himself (like those who don’t believe in Santa), making it difficult for Christians to maintain our proper focus (Titus 2:11-14).
Are you still focused on Jesus and his return even during thisSanta-watching season? (Hebrews 12:1-3; 9:27-28)?
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan. Contact =
him at [email protected]