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Title: Wintertime Worship: Santa Claus or Jesus Christ?
Source:
Answers In Genesis
URL Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/art ... wintertime-worship-santa-jesus
Published: Dec 16, 2009
Author: Roger Patterson
Post Date: 2009-12-16 15:01:46 by A K A Stone
Keywords: None
Views: 8112
Comments: 24
As I drive through my neighborhood in December, I am confronted with giants dancing on my neighbors’ lawns. A 6-foot-tall Scooby-Doo sways in the breeze donning a red knit cap. An inflatable carousel that wouldn’t fit in my living room spins a snowman, a reindeer, and an elf in an endless circuit. Santa can be seen in plastic light-up form, inflated fabric, plywood silhouette, and various other renditions—including catching a bass on a large fishing pole. Oh! Look! That yard has a manger scene surrounded by reindeer and candy canes and soldiers and snowmen and . . . you get the point. If you brought someone from Russia to my neighborhood, what would they infer from the inflated and illuminated army? I sincerely doubt that it would convey the message of the Creator entering His creation to redeem it from the curse of sin. The manger scenes might raise a question, and the lit cross with the message “A Savior Is Born” would surely draw the visitor’s attention (that’s my yard). But these are certainly lost among the troop formations. So, is this season about celebrating dancing snowmen and blinking lights or a Savior and the hope He brings? Sadly, our culture has shifted its focus to the dazzling lights and away from a dazzling Savior. Commercialism has swallowed whatever Christmas used to be before it was this. Battles are fought over the very name of the holiday, and Santa Claus is embraced more freely than the infant Jesus.1 Santa is an icon in modern culture, and his image is used to sell everything from soda to sports cars. How is a Christian to view Santa in light of the true meaning of Christmas? Santa’s Origins As with many things in our culture, Santa has his beginnings in a Christian past. As the legends have it, the concept of Santa is rooted in the real Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, dating to the fourth century. Nicholas inherited a large amount of money and used much of his fortune to help the poor. Nicholas gave freely to meet the needs of people around him, fulfilling the commands of Christ to aid the poor. After his death, the Catholic Church recognized him as a saint—hence the common American usage of St. Nick as a substitute for Santa. The red clothing is likely founded in the red robes worn by bishops. The white beard and other trappings (e.g., reindeer, sleighs, elves, etc.) are likely adopted from various cultural influences being mingled together over the centuries. If you study the celebration of Santa (a.k.a., St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Sinterklauss) around the world, the similarities are obvious, as shoes are substituted for stockings and the North Pole for the mountains of Lapland. Santa Abuse The mythical Santa is clearly founded in a man who honored Christ with his life and his possessions. Nicholas gave freely of his riches to benefit those who were less fortunate than himself. This is clearly a fundamental Christian principle, as we see care for the poor proclaimed throughout Scripture (e.g., James 2:1–17). Is that the same idea we see in the Santa celebrated today? The popular song extols children to stop shouting, pouting, and crying in order to earn Santa’s favor and his gifts. This is clearly not the attitude that we see in the biblically motivated actions of the original St. Nick—and a far cry from a biblical attitude of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I have personally overheard mothers using gifts from Santa to manipulate their children into behaving in a way that pleases the parent at the time. Such manipulation is entirely unbiblical. As Christians, we should discipline our children for sinful behavior because it is an offense against God, not because it is inconvenient or embarrassing for us. Using gifts from a mythical figure can only serve to promote a form of moralism that is alien to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If our actions are done to earn rewards for ourselves, are we not acting selfishly? This is not an attitude we should seek to instill in our children. Our motivation for being obedient to God’s commands should be out of an attitude of gratitude for the grace He has shown us. The gospel speaks of God’s work in forgiving us of our sins—not because of the righteous acts which we have done, but because of what Christ did on the Cross for us (Titus 3:4–7). Nothing that we can do can make us righteous before God or make us deserving of His good gifts. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8–10) Does the promotion of Santa lead to an exaltation of Christ? Since the two bring competing messages, I would suggest the answer is no. As Christ continues to be marginalized by society, our goal should be to magnify Him in our homes that our children would be impressed with His kindness to us shown on the Cross. This is the message the original St. Nicholas would have communicated. Mommy, Is There Really a Santa? A Christian parent must thoughtfully consider that Scripture is full of commands against deceiving others (e.g., Exodus 20:16; Psalm 101:7; Ephesians 4:25; 1 Peter 2:1–3). Persistently proclaiming the existence of a man in a sleigh with flying reindeer as fact can only lead to deceit. Please understand that I am not saying there is no place for imagination, but the level of emphasis on Santa appears to cross the line. The active teaching of Santa as a real person who performs real miracles to reward children for acting a certain way, in full knowledge that he is a myth, can only be described as deceit. Any parent who teaches their children much of what is popular about Santa knows that they will eventually learn that it was all a lie. Lying is a sin and cannot be justified on biblical grounds. Have we bowed to cultural pressures to have our children conform to the ways of the world, or do we celebrate Santa so that Christ can be exalted? Rather than dealing with the root of sin against God, who is the definition of “good,” the “goodness” promoted by Santa finds its roots in the humanistic philosophy of behavior modification. As children grow, they will undoubtedly begin to hear others speaking of the mythical nature of Santa. They will ask and will expect an answer from the parents they have trusted. Since some may not wish to totally skirt the issue of Santa Clause (and it is difficult to do anyway), consider how it is possible to allow children to learn about the real St. Nicholas—and maybe even share in some of the fun of make-believe—while remaining honest with your children. Glory Robber? If Santa has taken the glory from Christ in your family’s celebration of Christmas, maybe it is time to seriously consider changing the emphasis. I understand that these are matters of conscience in many ways and that sincere followers of Christ will come to different conclusions. What I would ask is that you examine your decisions in light of what Scripture teaches. If our conscience convicts us of sin in our hearts, we can bring that to God in repentance and know that He will freely forgive us because of what Christ has done. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:5–10) Rather than offering a platform to chastise those with views contrary to this article, I hope you will think and pray about how to bring Christ the worship He is due during this season when we recognize His incarnation. Let us all make the Word of God the authority in our decisions about celebrating this, and every, holiday—giving God the glory He alone deserves.
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#1. To: A K A Stone (#0)
My sister always writes "Happy Birthday Jesus" across the front of the house with that canned snow.
And Jesus asked: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8b In the original Greek, the word faith is pistis, it is pronounced just as it would sound, pis'-tis and it means: persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:-- assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
Mel, Your sister and I would get along well.
The truth is that Christmas is the biggest and most powerful evangelical marketing event for Christ. Everyone knows, in the bottom of their heart, that when they are playing Santa they are perpetuating the idea of following Jesus.
I had a very good conversation over the last couple of days with a very good listener and a thought came to mind this morning as I was driving to work. You, as a pastor, would have a good insight on it. It's not God who presents us with the trials and tribulations of our lives. It is the devil trying to break our faith so he can take our soul for it is through the worst of times that we question our faith and are at our weakest, spiritually. What do you think about that?
As far as the commercialism of lights and that.. well, Jesus is the light of the world. I love the lights and festivities. The Big bright stars are just our way of capturing that Nativity for our own (Let every heart prepare him room... and all of that). The star at the top of my tree begs for the birth of Jesus right there as the greatest gift my family can open. :) One of my little girls in Sunday school said- the reason for Santa is to remind us that Jesus was the best gift anyone could ever get. I like that idea. People know it too. We should all have more faith.
God will not test us with sin, only satan and we ourselves will do that. But God will test us and try us and discipline us. But regardless of what God allows satan to do, as far as temptation is concerned, God will always provide a way out. Oft times that way is a simple as calling home to speak to your wife or saying the Lord’s prayer. Hard to be tempted by pornography while saying the Lord’s prayer or talking to your wife on the phone about some silly thing the eight year old did. One of the primary functions of memorizing Scripture is to rebuke satan in times of temptation. Speaking of temptation, something all Christians had best keep in mind is this: Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1Corinthians 10:9) You might find this thought of interest www.christianpatriot.com/0 5_20_2005.htm
I wasn't really talking about temptation and sin. But that is an excellent answer for it if I were.
I like that idea. Me too, BUT, that trivializes the Lord. This coming Sunday in Sunday school, why not get that little girl and the rest of her classmates and explain to them how God left heaven and came to earth as a speck in the womb of His mother Mary, and how the reason that God left heaven and came to earth was to sacrifice Himself so that we would all have the way to find eternal bliss with Him, the Father and the holy Ghost in heaven for all eternity. Like you, I love the lights and the festivities, but I never allow any of them to trivialize or out shine the fact that God so loves the world that He allowed Himself as Jesus to come to earth to give us the only way to heaven.
Sorry I should have read more carefully.
I wasn't very clear either. When I said trials and tribulations, I meant in those type of situations where really bad things happen to really good people.
I am always very careful to judge what trivializes the Lord. The church that I attend has seen 400% increase in membership. No, you read that right. And we are doing some awesome things around the world, in the name of the Lord. HUGE things... because this pastor talks to people where they are at. He draws crowds that will travel over an hour to attend his services... and his church has been growing for 10 years. He is not a fad. He has gotten people to do really big things in this community AND around the world.. and he also is a bit of a rednck at times- (It is the south), and he wins the house lights festival each year for the community. No, I never judge how or when Jesus chooses to show himself. In a plastic star.. in a blow up reindeer... in a prayer... He speaks to people thru the Holy Spirit and that may reach people in all sorts of different ways. Christians need to get out of the way and let the people listen and hear- and remind them that it can happen in the most mysterious of places. Like I said- we need to have more faith. The Holy spirit knows how to get things done- we are not the Junior Holy Spirit. Merry Christmas, Bob. May God bless you richly.
Now that I can answer. Jesus said, thru the pen of Paul: Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: And as for bad things happening, well we all to often blame God for things man does to man. And when we say, "well why does God allow it?" I say, how would you like to live in a world where God does not allow you free will? And if He is to allow you free will, should He not allow all to have free will? It is not God who does us harm, it is we ourselves or other humans or creations that do us harm. Think what God did for us on the cross, how can anyone who ponders that love think, even for a minute, that a God who so loves us that He left heaven, came to earth as a babe in the womb of a young girl, and allowed Himself to be spit upon, tortured, hung on a cross, killed and cast into a grave for three days, would just stand by and not care when He sees us hurting ourselves and others. It is not God who destroys families by adultery. It is not God who has destroyed this nation by lies, deciet, and corruption. It is not God who causes a girl to kill her baby in her womb. No, in most cases we or somone very close to us has caused us harm, hurt, pain and suffering, not God. But, Mel, it is Christ who can take the pain away or at least make it bearable.
Thank you.
How about on the side of an apartment building facing a main street ... in christmas lights the the thumb - pinky (( shaka - hang loose )) - the word aloha --- peace on earth goodwill towards mankind ! The more the neocom liberals try to to obscure the meaning of life the more powerful - beautiful it becomes ! Mele kilikmaka ! Houoli maka hiki hou !
ok....
in christmas lights the the thumb - pinky (( shaka - hang loose )) - the word aloha --- peace on earth goodwill towards mankind ! Mele kilikimaka ! Houoli maka hiki hou !
:) Boris- As far as I am concerned, Jesus is in all things, indeed. He is everywhere. He is the light of the world- the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the world. I love this video.. it brings me great comfort.. I post it whenever I can: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE The King of glory and the Lord of lords. Merry Christmas.
The more the neocom liberals try to to obscure the meaning of life the more powerful - beautiful it becomes !
Oh my gosh- that is so true. Each struggle I have bring me a little bit closer to full understanding of God's love. Every time I have to fight for understanding of what it is all about- I learn that His love is deeper that I had previously thought! So cool. So I say, bring it on liberals and anti christians. :) Jesus never said it would be easy- he just said it would be worth it. :) Joyous, Happy~Merry Christmas ,Boris.
The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar http://www.jesusinstituteforum.org/TER-ch6.html The transaction is not one of indifference to sin, or obliterative of the distinction between righteousness and unrighteousness. It is one which, of all that can be imagined, is most fitted to show the evil of evil, the malignity of sin, the divine hatred of all departure from perfection, the regard which God has to His law, His awful appreciation of justice, and His determination to secure, at any cost,-even the death of His Son,-the righteous foundations of the universe, and the sanctities of His eternal throne. If the Christ of God, in His sorrowful life below, be but a specimen of suffering humanity, or a model of patient calmness under wrong, not one of these things is manifested or secured. He is but one fragment more of a confused and disordered world, where everything has broken loose from its anchorage, and each is dashing against the other in unmanageable chaos, without any prospect of a holy or tranquil issue. He is an example of the complete triumph of evil over goodness, of wrong over right, of Satan over God,-one from whose history we can draw only this terrific conclusion, that God has lost the control of His own world; that sin has become too great a power for God either to regulate or extirpate; that the utmost that God can do is to produce a rare example of suffering holiness, which He allows the world to tread upon without being able effectually to interfere; that righteousness, after ages of buffeting and scorn, must retire from the field in utter helplessness, and permit the unchecked reign of evil. If the cross be the mere exhibition of self- sacrifice and patient meekness, then the hope of the world is gone. We had always thought that there was a potent purpose of God at work in connection with the sin- bearing work of the holy Sufferer, which, allowing sin for a season to develop itself, was preparing and evolving a power which would utterly overthrow it, and sweep earth clean of evil, moral and physical. But if the crucified Christ be the mere self-denying man, we have nothing more at work for the overthrow of evil than has again and again been witnessed, when some hero or martyr rose above the level of his age to protest against evils which he could not eradicate, and to bear witness in life and death for truth and righteousness,-in vain. The transaction is, in all its aspects, and in its bearings on all parties and interests, strictly and nobly righteous. It provides a righteous channel through which God's free love may flow down to man. It lays a righteous foundation for the pardon of sin. It secures a righteous welcome for the returning sinner. It makes the justification of the justified even more righteous than his condemnation would have been; while it makes the condemnation of the condemned not only doubly righteous, but at once a vindication and an exhibition of infinite and immutable justice. There can be no justification without some kind of righteousness; and according to the nature or value of that righteousness will the justification be. That justification will necessarily partake of the value of the righteousness which justifies. If the righteousness be poor and finite, our standing as justified men will be the same. If it be glorious and divine, even such will our standing be. God the justifier, acting according to the excellency of that righteousness, and recognising its claims in behalf of all who consent to be treated according to its value, deals with each believing man, weak as his faith may be, in conformity with the demands of that righteousness. All that it can claim for us we may ask and expect; all that it can claim for us God will assuredly bestow. He by whom, in believing, we consent to be represented, puts in the claim for us, in His name; and the demands of that name are as just as they are irresistible. Our legal responsibilities as transgressors of the law are transferred to Him; and His legal claims, as the fulfiller of the law, pass over to us. It is not a transference of characters nor an exchange of persons that we mean by this; but a transference of liabilities, an exchange of judicial demands. Very strikingly is the case between the sinner and God put in our Lord's parable of the two debtors, of which these words are the sum: "When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both" (Luke 7:42). Here is our thorough bankruptcy, and God's full discharge. What can law say to us after this? "It is God that justifieth." We are bankrupts; our assets are nothing; God looks at the case, pities us, and clears everything.
free lunch - peace liberals ...
free lunch - peace liberals ...
I always enjoy the cartoons. :) Thank you Boris.
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#2. To: A K A Stone (#0)
Sadly, our culture has shifted its focus to the dazzling lights and away from a dazzling Savior. Commercialism has swallowed whatever Christmas used to be before it was this. Battles are fought over the very name of the holiday, and Santa Claus is embraced more freely than the infant Jesus
#3. To: mel (#1)
My sister always writes "Happy Birthday Jesus" across the front of the house with that canned snow.
#4. To: A K A Stone (#0)
#5. To: BobCeleste, Liberator (#3)
Click if you want the truth
Click here for an important video message
#6. To: BobCeleste (#2)
Sadly, our culture has shifted its focus to the dazzling lights and away from a dazzling Savior. Commercialism has swallowed whatever Christmas used to be before it was this. Battles are fought over the very name of the holiday, and Santa Claus is embraced more freely than the infant Jesus
#7. To: mel (#5)
It's not God who presents us with the trials and tribulations of our lives. It is the devil trying to break our faith so he can take our soul for it is through the worst of times that we question our faith and are at our weakest, spiritually. What do you think about that?
#8. To: BobCeleste (#7)
Click if you want the truth. Click here for an important video message
#9. To: diva betsy ross (#6)
One of my little girls in Sunday school said- the reason for Santa is to remind us that Jesus was the best gift anyone could ever get.
#10. To: mel (#8)
#11. To: BobCeleste (#10)
Click if you want the truth. Click here for an important video message
#12. To: BobCeleste (#9)
#13. To: mel (#11)
I meant in those type of situations where really bad things happen to really good people.
Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 
#14. To: diva betsy ross (#12)
#15. To: mel (#1)
#16. To: BorisY (#15)
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#17. To: diva betsy ross (#12)
No, I never judge how or when Jesus chooses to show himself. In a plastic star.. in a blow up reindeer...
#18. To: BorisY (#17)
#19. To: diva betsy ross (#18)
#20. To: BorisY (#19)
#21. To: diva betsy ross (#20)
I learn that His love is deeper that I had previously thought!
#22. To: diva betsy ross (#20)
#23. To: diva betsy ross (#20)
#24. To: BorisY (#23)
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