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Jesus is the Reason for the Season


Many posts are dedicated to the commercialism of Christmas and clearing up the truth meaning of the holiday. The battle between Santa and the Savior: between Christ and Claus rages on. Every year children are taught that Santa Claus will come to their home with gifts and if they are good, he will give them what is on their wish list. All year, children are taught in Sunday school that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift and that He hears their prayers and will answer the desires of their hearts.

By now the point I have tried to make regarding this problem is possibly falling into redundancy. But highlighting it does no harm. The fact is that at some point, children discover the fiction that is Santa Claus. What is more alarming is that because they were lied to by their parents about this benevolent man in red coat, they can come to question Christ in his red robe! This is the danger of deceptions, even cute and seemingly harmless ones. They can caste doubt on truths, because the trust is broken. Granted, not many children lose their faith in Christ over Mr. Claus, but the seeds of doubt are sown.

As I have already shared, Santa Claus did exist and is combination of the St. Nicholas Story and Oiden's Norse Folklore. What is most disturbing is how this jolly fat man has sought to overshadow Jesus! Santa is fiction based on some fact, while Jesus is Truth that is fact. So why does the story of the One True God coming in the flesh get second fiddle to a story of fat folk lore? The answer is commercialism. Santa Claus is the heart and soul of the consumerism. He gets people stuff. While Jesus Christ saves our souls, Santa gives people stuff. This is interesting because in one sense Santa represents the world system which we as Christ followers are called to not love.

For the Scriptures say, "Do not love the world or anything in it, he that loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him," (1 John 2;15) and "Be in the world, but not of it." (Romans 12:2). Santa seems to encourage the opposite with his bag of goodies. The king of the North Pole is a symbol and leader of stuff. Like a genie, Santa is suppose to give children what they want and know it via his mystical arts. Again this focuses people's attention away from Christ and from turning to the only One who can answer wishes and prayers.

But isn't Santa harmless? He really isn't Satan is he? I mean he spreads cheer and makes people jolly. Aspects of Mr. Claus are stolen from St. Nicholas and ultimately Christ himself! The problem is rather than Santa being inspired to give because Christ first gave, he does so because of his desire to spread the magic, not the Message. It is impossible to escape Mr. Claus, his face and figure is on everything from soda to stores.

The battle for Christmas between Christ and Claus will continue to rage on until Jesus Returns and Santa is but a distant memory. Until then we as Christians must find a balance. I recommend not deceiving children, but also not disrespecting those who perpetuate the mythos. The last thing you want is your child telling his friends that Santa is Satan and causing meeting Sunday school teacher. Rather, explain that Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season and center on the celebration of His Birth. Explain that many believe in Santa Claus and to not mock them, but go ahead and tell them about St. Nicholas who loved Jesus and did what Santa does in the stories.

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