Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - 11 Days & Ways To Have A Merry ChristmasSample

Millie Knows

Luke 2:28-32 – Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

This is the year where my youngest niece, Millie, told me she now knows why I am never in the room when Santa and Rudolph call her. I knew this day was coming but it still makes me a little sad. She is growing up so fast! There is nothing like the excitement and wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child. The only thing more awesome is having that child tell you they know the real meaning of Christmas!  

Millie knows!  Last year she prayed and gave her little heart to Jesus.  This got me thinking: What else does Millie know?

She knows that she is loved completely and adored by many in her family!  She also knows nothing can change our love for her.  My heart hurts for people who don’t know that as their introduction to life – knowing, from day one, that they are loved and adored no matter what. 

Here is one more thing Millie knows: God isn’t Santa! 

In our western world, people often see God in the way we see Santa: a big guy sitting in his chair with white hair and a big, white beard, just checking his list (and checking it twice).  He’s keeping score of how good or naughty you have been. 

That is not our Father!  That’s Santa!

As you can tell, I have placed a great deal of emphasis on “knowing” for yourself about the love of the Father towards you.  I truly believe that everything we become in life is a direct flow from knowing we are loved or not knowing we are loved.  I love this quote from Mr. Rogers: “I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.”  I believe that every action and reaction, if filtered down to the root cause, is because someone doesn’t know the love of God or hasn’t seen it modeled to them in flesh and blood.  Or perhaps someone refuses to trust that love and goes through life in their own power of self-love.  We know that cannot work!  Love, by its very nature, is to be shared and reciprocated.  

When you know for yourself, each and every day, that your Father loves you and you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness you can then follow the only rule that works in this life: 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love others as you love yourself.  All other rules are wrapped up in these words from our Lord.  (Matthew 22:37-40)

What Millie knows is called childlike faith.  I wish for you, and everyone who reads this, to know what Millie knows for yourself.