Keeping Track this Christmas….

Dec 1

The other day, the U.S. “Santa Tracker” kicked off its 70th season of following Santa Claus’ progress as he travels around the world on his mission to deliver presents to children every Christmas Eve. This is an official program sponsored by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a government military agency that monitors and protects the skies and atmosphere around the North American continent.

Like many traditions, the Santa Tracker began by accident. In 1955, the Sears department store in Colorado Springs advertised a “telephone hotline” for children to talk to Santa. The newspaper printed the wrong telephone number, and one December evening, a child called the commander of what was then called the Continental Air Defense Command. The colonel on duty, realizing what had happened, assured the child that he and his staff would be tracking Santa and his sleigh on their radar. The CONAD public affairs office discovered what happened and turned the mistake into an opportunity for goodwill and positive public relations. The next year, the press inquired if the hotline would continue, and thus, a tradition was born.

Today, thousands of volunteers help staff the NORAD Santa hotline. Besides phone calls and reports on television throughout the season, the modern tracker uses websites, apps, social media, and even video games.

The story of the NORAD Santa Tracker is an example of what can happen when one person takes time to acknowledge, respect, and show kindness to another. The colonel could have easily dismissed the child who called him that December evening seventy years ago. He could have told the child he had the wrong number and hung up the phone. However, by taking time to speak with an innocent child, a serious man turned an innocent mistake into a magical memory. His goodwill and quick thinking led to a tradition that has delighted children and families for generations.

During the next few weeks, Christians will not only be tracking Santa, but also taking time to track their spiritual journey. Like the Santa tracker, our Advent devotions may use books, pamphlets, social media, websites, apps, and other technology. We will also use our moral compass to do what is right and show respect, kindness, and charity to one another. When we make a mistake, we can turn it around and bring clarity out of confusion and light out of darkness. St. Francis de Sales tells us, “Take courage, and turn troubles which you cannot remedy into material for progress and growth.”

Our daily lives provide plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth. Let’s monitor our progress each day this season using ancient prophecies, modern apps, or whatever it takes to let the Lord live in our hearts.