My favorite Christmas pictures are the ones of a screaming kid on Santa’s lap. Poor kid! You know what he’s thinking:

“Um…stranger danger…?”

“You realize a coerced smile is not going to look genuine, right?”

“It’s noisy and people are staring at me.”

“I want to go home!”

Right there with ya kid.

Like a grumpy Santa in a crowded mall, there are certain realities that challenge the joy of the season.  Just watch the news.  Our children are not the only ones who are afraid of strangers, forcing smiles, avoiding eye contact and crying out for comfort!

We all are. That’s the point.

 “Be strong, do not fear;

your God will come,

he will come with vengeance;

with divine retribution

he will come to save you.” – Isaiah 35:4