December 18

What was Gene Autry thinking?

Back in 1946, Gene Autry rode down the streets of Hollywood during the Santa Claus parade as the crowd shouted, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’.  Here is his take on that event:  “Each year out in Hollywood, California they have what they call the Santa Claus parade.  A few years ago, while I was riding in this parade, I saw smiles on thousands of faces, both young and old alike waiting for a look at that most popular man all over the world.  I can hear 'em shouting now
"Here comes Santa Claus!”
That inspired him to write the famous song by the same chant…’Here Comes Santa Claus’.  It has a nice jingle, but what this song does that no other Christmas song (that I know of) attempts to do is blend a piece of Christian doctrine along with the myth of Santa Claus to create a holiday cocktail for our radios. See if these lines bring the tune to your mind, but the irony is kind of obvious:
 
     Peace on earth will come to all, if we just follow the light
So let's give thanks to the Lord above 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight

I’m not sure if Autry is trying to point people to the true light (Jesus) or to happily blend his Christian faith with the rapidly popular Santa figure.  Whatever the case, it is sad that the most popular man around was Santa Claus, whereas advent points us to the true light.  Here is John’s take on that first advent:
John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The darkness has not overcome, or as some translations put it, has not understood it.  Isn’t that our day and age today?  We sing and celebrate, put up lights and enjoy the wonders of the season, yet can easily miss the whole point.  We do not understand that God became man to rescue fallen man, to give more than a new pair of slippers or an xbox.  Autry saw the faces of young and old 'waiting for a look at the most popular man all over the world', a mythical figure who represents some of the peace, joy and hope of the season, yet it was the baby Jesus who held the real power to bring peace, to change hearts, to cross every cultural barrier and bring light and life to mankind.  He came to rescue our souls, to give peace on earth by making peace for us with God.  What a great gift!  God is so good, lets give thanks to the Lord above that Jesus came that night so long ago!