Santa Vs. God

Written by Christopher Mentzer

I got an e-mail from Ryan Hoover the other day. He found some time during this busy holiday season to write me plus send more pictures. Anyway he and the family were on the way home from Regina’s parents on Thanksgiving when Rachel brought up the subject of Santa Claus.

RYAN: Regina and I had been talking about the Santa Claus subject in private since October. Now that Robert is 8 months he will enjoy Christmas a little more in the next couple years. We were trying to decide if we should allow Rachel to continue to believe in Santa and then extend it to Robert as well. We’ve done a pretty good job of limiting Santa’s abilities in comparison to God. Although the song states, “He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake…” We told her that based on the cartoon, that Santa has to use magic snowball to do it.

Anyway a few days ago, she came right up to me and asked me straight out if Santa was real or not. I simply told her that he wasn’t real but a fictional character used at this time of the year. She smiled and was happy to hear me say that. The reason was that she had stumbled across some already wrapped presents in our bedroom closet and a couple said they were from Santa. She knew then that Santa wasn’t real, as he wouldn’t store gifts in the closet. It didn’t upset her because I told her the truth but I wonder how do we let Robert know when he is of age.

Here is my reply:

CHRIS: First and foremost do not lie to your children and say that Santa is real. I have that same problem with my children and I don’t want to lie anymore. Pretending that Santa exists is much different and it helps children to use their imagination. Help them to realize that Santa Claus is an invention of men dating back to the fourth century with a man of the Catholic faith. It’s not until 1823 that the poem, “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” or better known as “The Night Before Christmas” that established the current image of Santa in the red suit and the sleigh.

One of the problems parents have is that they build up the abilities of Santa Claus to almost godlike status, which is why when the truth is made known, some will think that God is not real either. They don’t see God therefore he doesn’t exist. It doesn’t seem to help much either because of the fact you see people dressed up like Santa Claus but no one dresses up like God. I know that sounds silly but it’s true. All the men who dress like Santa basically help support the myth to being real. Even if, they say that they aren’t the real Santa but just a helper, it further fuels the myth.

Show Regina and, later on Robert, that preachers are “God’s helpers” by bringing His word to people around the world. They don’t need to wear a costume because they are not hiding their true identity of being God’s mouthpiece and proclaiming the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1: 16).

Finally, show them that Santa Claus represents a sense of materialistic needs. Oh sure he supposedly is a giver of gifts but people expect salvation is the same way. Yes, it is free but you have to do something in order to obtain it. Salvation is not simply handed to you like a present, things must be done (Matt. 7: 21) to be saved and you know those steps. This should help you in your talk with your children.

Here was Ryan’s reply:

RYAN: Thanks for the words of encouragement. I never thought it as lying but just harmless fibbing, which isn’t exactly any different than lying. I will make sure Regina understands all this and then pass it on to Robert as he becomes older.

By the way, thanks for the list of sermon books to order. I think it will help me develop outlines for the coming year. I think I’ll start to volunteer more to preach.

This time of year Santa is one of the focal points of the season. Make sure you know the truth and that you are sharing it with your children so they don’t try to think of him as God. Only God can save you from your sins. Furthermore, People who use the Santa Claus fairy tale to deceive children with that lie are ones that Jesus will reject on judgment day as described in Matthew 7: 21 - 23.