Bernard (the
elf): Did you or did you not read the card?
Scott Calvin:
Yeah, I read the card.
Bernard: Then
you're the new Santa. In putting on the hat and jacket you accepted the
contract.
Scott C.: What
contract?
Bernard: The
card in the Santa suit. You said you read it, right? So when you put on the
suit, you fell subject to the Santa Clause.
Scott C.: The
Santa Claus? Oh, you mean the guy that fell off my roof?
Bernard: No,
no, no, not Santa Claus, the person. Santa Clause, the clause.
Scott C.: What?
Bernard: You're
a businessman, right?
Scott C.: Yeah.
Bernard: Okay.
A clause is the last line of a contract. You got the card? Okay, see. The Santa
Clause: "ln putting on this suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer
waives any and all rights to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully
accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus in perpetuity until such
time that wearer becomes unable to do so by either accident or design." from
The Santa Clause
I love the
Christmas movies that air during the holiday season. The other evening, I
watched The Santa Clause. In the
above scene from the movie, Scott Calvin discovers that he is the new Santa
Claus. Scott’s entire life changes because of this new identity.
In 2
Corinthians 5:17, God says “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the
old is gone, the new has come.” Just as Scott Calvin waived “any and all rights
to any previous identity, real or implied,” at salvation, our old life ends and
we take on a new identity—that of God’s friend.
When we trust
Christ, how we treat others, what is important to us, our level of integrity, and
our perspective are all affected. At salvation, God begins to transform us. Romans
12:2 says, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let
God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be
able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to Him and is
perfect.”
Just as
stunning as the physical make-over we often see a person go through on a TV
show, our spirit receives a make-over at salvation. Ephesians 4: 23-24 says, “Your
hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self,
which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is
upright and holy.”
This
transformation process is both instantaneous and gradual. Our sins are forgiven
immediately. But, like Scott Calvin, whose attitude about his role as Santa
took time to change, we require re-education to bring our old habits and mind-sets
in line with Scripture.
How can we help
the process along?
Be willing to be transformed by God. (Romans 12:2)
Get to know God better by reading the Bible and talking with
God.
Spend time with other Christians in fellowship and study groups. (Hebrews
10:25)
Persevere. When we fall, the Lord will help us
up. We need to keep going. (Psalm 37:23-24)
Keep focused on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
As you watch
other Christmas specials and movies this year, I would love to hear about the
lessons God revealed to you through them.
Blessings!
Pam©2014 Pamela D. Williams
