Christmas was the happiest time of the year for me. What I remember most is the waking up in the wee hours of the morning with my older brother, running down the stairs while keeping careful not to trip, and seeing who can hit under the tree to grab the first present.
Mother had a gift for embellishing a Christmas tree. Her adornment was so beautifully and skillfully put together it made us marvel every time we glanced at it. Its splendor of dainty grace and the delicate ornaments that hung on each limb sparkled throughout the entire home, while daddy’s music filled the air with holiday joy. It made one want to live in that moment of beautiful serenity forever.
I grew up believing in Santa Claus, reindeers, and elves. I believed in the North Pole and fairies and hoped that I had been a good girl that year so that Santa would bring all the lovely things I had put on my Christmas list.
But I remember the disappointing feeling I felt the night I believed I had missed Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer by the seconds. He had come into my bedroom, given me a kiss and then flew away, so I was told. If I had just awakened a tidbit sooner, I could have beheld one of the most glorious miracles of time. My heart was broken.
Over the years, I have learned that Jesus and Santa Claus cannot share the same space, no, not even for a moment of what appears as a harmless and cute flight of the imagination. The Lord said that He will not share His glory with anyone or anything. He must be first, for He will come second to none. How then can we as believers contribute or allow from our pulpits the idea that Santa Claus really exist?
We all know that Jesus was not born on December 25. However, it is the date that the world has chosen to commemorate the celebration and birth of our King. But you’ll find that even theologians will argue if this holiday should be celebrated at all.
My answer to that is simply this. According to 1 John 1, Jesus came to earth and lived among men, and if He lived among men, then I’m sure He did what human beings did. He had to bathe; if He didn’t, He’d smell awfully bad. When He was a baby, His mother Mary had to change His diapers, for if she hadn’t, He would be exposed to a horrible booty rash. He had to eat; if He didn’t, He would have gotten terribly ill. Also, there are many Biblical stories that tell me that He was also influence by His culture; His parents paid taxes, went to weddings, annual feasts, danced, laughed and yes, I believe celebrated birthdays.
As a proud mother of three, I remember celebrating the Terrific Two’s, Triumphant Three’s, and the Funtastic Four’s; I don’t think Mary was any different from you and me. So whether Christmas is considered a pagan holiday or not, I choose to celebrate the very fact that my Savior was born and am glad to have the freedom to do so.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with Christmas trees, gift exchanging, or setting aside time to spend quality time with family and friends, anything that takes away from the truth and glory of what Jesus’ Birth truly represents is a thief and a robber. The famous tales and fables of Old Saint Nick is just that, a false and improbable account of cute lies to teach a moral. If you are good, Santa will bring you presents they say. It almost sounds like the resounding religious beliefs that if you are a good person and do good works you can go to Heaven.
People often got mad at Jesus when He spoke the truth on things that convicted and pricked their hearts. When Jesus brought to light their hypocrisies, pride, and dared to expose the idols they worshiped, they wanted to crucify Him. Fast forward to the 21st Century and you’ll find that nothing much has changed.
Santa Claus is an idol that hangs high on the throne of many hearts and homes today. When you speak against him, you will find that people will lash out in his defense. Oh, how you risk the chance of becoming an unpopular Jesus freak when you expose the idols we’ve allowed to sit on the thrones of our hearts.
Jesus’ family traveled every year to celebrate the annual feast just like some of us have made traditions of reuniting with family members and friends each year. All the way and up until Jesus was 12 years old did they travel to Jerusalem. Like you and I today, they ate, worshipped, and celebrated. Plainly put, they partied.
But one day, after the close of the annual feast and while making their journey back home, the family realized that they had lost Jesus. I can only conclude that they had been so caught up in musing over such a great time that they actually didn’t realized that one of their family members were missing. I’m sure they reminisced about many things, like the people they hadn’t seen in like forever, the great food, and worship.
Of course, Jesus himself wasn’t really lost. He was about His Father’s business teaching and preaching the Kingdom of Heaven. But OMG (oh my gosh) the family had lost their child, and it wasn’t until they were in one day’s route that they realized He wasn’t anywhere to be found. It then took three days to find him. Can you imagine that? Read Luke 2:41-52.
How many of us have lost Jesus in the Feast? How many of us have gotten so wrapped up into buying gifts and decking the halls only to be stressed with the bills afterward? How many will actually go into further debt because they somehow feel obligated to fulfill the demands that Christmas brings? If you are in the process of preparing for your yearly grand feast, has the Lord Jesus been given His rightful place? Are we singing Santa Claus Is Coming To Town or O’ Little Town of Bethlehem? After all is said and done, have we sincerely observed the true meaning of Christmas?
The real meaning of Christmas is rejoicing and celebrating in the fact that God gave His only Son so that we could have eternal life. The greatest gift ever given to man was the gift of salvation. If it hadn’t been for His birth, there would be no Christmas. So while there is nothing wrong with the celebration, remember up and foremost that Jesus is the reason for the season.
Christian parents, I encourage you to teach your children the true meaning of this blessed holiday. Impart to them truth without the ties of lies and old fables and legends that neither bring glory nor honor to God. Celebrate, have fun, and rejoice! Glorify the King of kings and Lord of lords and worship Him in the beauty of holiness. Give Jesus Christ the Son of the living God the platform that only He deserves. Let the world have their Santa but give me Jesus. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Thought Provoking Question: Is Jesus sitting on the throne of your heart and ruling in every area or is the platform being shared with someone or something else?
Tilt your hearts toward the Son!
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