Approach Santa in a Way That Honors Christ?
My father once commented on all the debates regarding Santa Claus. He said Santa Claus was really a metaphor for God, the Father:
- He is omniscient, knowing who is good and who is bad. “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20).
- He is omnipresent, knowing when you are asleep or awake and able to be all over the world in one night. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence” (Psalm 139:7).
- He is a giver of good gifts. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
The important thing is to make sure our children know the truth of the Bible. Even Santa Claus can be used as a way to help them understand the character of God, as long as we make it clear what is truth and what is fiction.
There is no getting around Santa Claus at Christmas time because it is a part of our culture. We can’t control the world, but we can control how we approach the subject in our families and our own hearts. The real question isn’t what are you to do with Santa Claus; the real question is what are you doing with Christ? Is Christ at the center of Christmas, or is it traditions?
When we center our minds and hearts on Christ, our traditions can adapt so that our children can see the true meaning of Christmas. The first gift of Christmas wasn’t given by the three wise men; it was given by God. It was the birth of Jesus Christ, God coming down in human form to save the world. The first gift of Christmas was love.
Maybe this Christmas we can take a closer look at our traditions and our focus. Christ came at a dark time on earth, on one of the longest nights of the year, to bring the Light of hope to a weary world. Let’s ask ourselves how we can share the gift of love that we have been given with our families and with a world living in darkness. Let’s use every opportunity, even Santa Claus, to share the real reason for the season.
What do you think? How should the topic of Santa be approached at Christmas? What do you do in your family?
Brought to you by Christianity.com
Linda Lyle Contributing Writer
https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/what-should-christian-parents-tell-their-kids-about-santa.html?