This story about about to tell you happened last Christmas and I'm finally getting around to sharing it with you, as it's almost Christmas this year.
I love everything about Christmas, except going to the mall. I have to be pulled kicking and screaming, but I finally give in, for the sake of my kids. Last year, my youngest, who was 6 at the time, was begging to see Santa Claus. She just HAD to see him and sit on his lap, or he wouldn't have the slightest clue what to bring to her. One afternoon, I finally took her to the mall. We stood in line for quite some time, just to see Santa. All the kids were excited, everyone is smiling and laughing and actually having a good time, while waiting in the long, long line. As we approached the front, the helper "elf" discreetly asked me my child's name. I told her and she wrote it down on a dry erase board. As it came to my daughter's turn, the "elf" held the board for Santa to see her name (without my daughter seeing the board).
Santa eyes became bright, he smiled a huge grin, held out his arms and said, "Ireland, I've been waiting for you!"
Ireland, turned to me, eyes huge and bright, smiling so big and said, "Mommy! He knows my name!" She turned and ran to Santa's outstretched arms, he lifted her up laughing, plopped her in his lap and began to listen to her talk.
I'm sure I was the only mother in line that had tears in her eyes. Because at that moment, it became a "God" moment for me. When at the end, before Jesus says, "well done, my good and faithful servant," I can picture those in Christ standing in line with excitement, smiles and laughter and when it's our turn, He will hold out his arms, say our name that has been written in his Book of Life and say, "I've been waiting for you!!!!" We will run to his outstretched arms praising our Heavenly Father because He Knows Our Name!!!!
