Ok... so all I did here was take out "Santa Claus" and put "Jesus Christ" in his place in the classic Christmas song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Why does it sound so creepy and ominous when it is Jesus instead of Santa? When the kids sing this song, there's such joy and smiles on their faces. Switch out Jesus for Santa and it has a whole different feel. Or is it just me?I thought putting Jesus in would be a good thing... perhaps a children's sermon in the making! Now... I'm not so sure.
You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Jesus Christ is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
Oh! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout I'm telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming to town
Jesus Christ is coming to town
Another clergy friend of mine posted about this song this week and pointed out that it makes a big difference if there is a comma before "For goodness sake" or not. The original song has one, I believe, which lends to an interpretation of "be good or else." Which I would argue is not a good reflection of the Christian gospel. But, if you take out the comma, "be good for goodness sake," becomes "be good for the sake of being good" - which is not far at all from the gospel truth of we are to be good because that reflects our God who is good. We aren't good to get presents from Santa or some cosmic treat of salvation - we're good because God is good and Jesus is good and we hope that by being good - in a holistic way - will help to lead others to know that good God. Does that help any? Merry Christmas, anyway! Laurie
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