Have you ever been slightly creeped out by the song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”?
…He sees you when you’re sleeping…He knows when you’re awake…
Ew! I’m not comfortable with stalkers, no matter how jolly!
Nor am I giving my consent to his global surveillance network, round-the-clock behavior monitoring with continuous data collection for the naughty-or-nice algorithm!
Hopefully I’m the only one who cringes at that song! Yet it does bring to mind the One who really does see us when we’re sleeping and who really does know when we’re awake. And that knowledge shouldn’t creep us out but give us great security and comfort.
Because God doesn’t stand at a distance with a clipboard in his hand and a scowl on His face.
We know because of Christmas–God comes near. God’s heart is to be with us.
Our God doesn’t constantly watch over his children to make sure we never pout or cry or make a mistake. He watches over us to care for us and to guide us. Sometimes to discipline us for our own good. But always as our loving, good, Everlasting Father.
So next time you find yourself absentmindedly humming that Santa song, I hope it makes you chuckle but also brings a sense of security knowing you are seen and loved and never alone.
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10