My kids are more excited to open their presents tomorrow than a freshman science major is to see the release of J.J. Abrams, Star Wars, Episode VII, The Force Awakens.

We don't make a big deal about Santa in our house and we don't think it is wrong for any families who do. Ole Saint Nick is a hero that should be treasured in the hearts of children and we don't mind telling them the truth about the jolly old, generous man who gave away substantial gifts to poor children.

In our house, we try to make a big deal about Jesus during Christmas and, likewise, we don't find the scent of moralism very appealing, even when it is wrapped in Christmas cheer.

Moralism is an ancient problem with modern, venomous fangs.

Moralism says, "God loves the good guys and hates the bad guys. Good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people."

Like most whole lies, it is half true. God wants us to be good and do good. In fact, he created humans and declared them, "Very good."

The problem comes, however, when we realize who we really are. This side of Adam and Eve, we aren't good people who are a little rough around the edges. We are evil to the bone. Our entire life is permanently etched into God's naughty list (Romans 3:23).

This is why we try to avoid telling our kids that we will give them Christmas gifts if they are good.

We know they ain't.

We know they try hard and want to obey mommy and daddy as much as they can, but deep down, our four and two year old are just as consumed with their own well-being as Paris Hilton. They aren't as bad as they possibly could be, but they aren't sparkling images of pure innocence either.

But, Jesus is.

Peter tells us that "Jesus committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth." (1 Peter 2:22).

When you trace back the story of Ole Mr. Claus (Saint Nicolas), you come face to face with a man who was moved by the poverty of children to use his resources for their benefit.

When you look into the manger, you see where he might have been motivated. The first Christmas shows us a perfectly obedient child who grew into the human that we were all destined to be, but could never attain in our own effort. In his cradle, we see the baby's face who would become the young man who would hang on the cross - giving his spotless life for ours that has filled the naughty list with stains.

Jesus didn't come to give the gift of his life for those on the nice list for that year, he came because he knew no one else, in all of their effort, could make the list.

And because he came, his broken body on the cross ripped the naughty list into pieces and opened freely given spots for our children's lives to be transferred into the Heavenly list by faith, not moral effort.

He didn't do this because we were good, he did this because he is love.

When your children ask you why you are giving them presents this year, I hope you don't resort to any newly clothed moralism. I pray that you can tell them the same thing that God tells us.

"I am not giving you this present because you have been good this year, I am giving you this present because I love you."

Merry (Gospel-Centered) Christmas.