Holidays
It is my pleasure to discuss a commonly questioned topic. This is involved in many different things about Christmas, and that is Santa Claus. We first compare the Santa Claus in fiction right now with Jesus Christ, and then we discuss who the real Santa Claus is supposed to be.
| Santa Claus | Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| Lives at the north pole | He is found everywhere |
| Rides in a sleigh | Rides the wind and walks on water |
| Comes once a year | He is an ever-present help |
| Fills stockings with goodies | Supplies all our needs |
| Comes down the chimney uninvited | Stands at the door of your heart and knocks, and will come in if invited. |
| You wait in line to see him | He is as close as the mention of His Name |
| Lets you sit on his lap | Lets you rest in His Arms |
| He does not know your name | Jesus knew about us before the world was created |
| Has a belly full of jelly | Has a heart full of love |
| Says Ho Ho Ho | Jesus offers help, hope, and full health |
| Says you better not cry | He says, "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you!" |
| His elves make toys | Gives new life, mends broken hearts and homes |
| Might make you laugh | Gives us unspeakable joy |
| Puts gifts under your tree | Jesus became our gift and died on the tree. |
The real Saint Nicholas
Nicholas of Myra or Bari was a Christian bishop. He lived around 270-343 AD, which was during the time of the Roman Empire. He was especially known for his generosity and nice things he did for many people. He reigned as a Christian bishop during the time of the rule of Constantine the Great in the Roman Empire.
If we are going to celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus Christ at all times. It is fine to acknowledge Santa Claus, but keep in mind that it should point to the Christian bishop of old, not the novelty one as illustrated in the chart above. It is hoped this is a help to guide you in the right direction, not to take away your fun, but to make your morals better!
What do presents, lights, a tree, tinsel, ribbon, etc. have to do with Christ then? Does the Bible actually support these things? We think it does. Let's go through each segment of Christmas generally and review them according to the Bible.
Tree
So the old Douglas/Balsam/Fraser/Canaan/Grand/Noble/Concolor Fir, or the White/Scotch/Virginia Pine, how about the Blue/Norway/White Spruce, or how about the Arizona/Leyland Cypress, or even the Red Cedar? That's about 16 types of Christmas trees. But what does the Bible say about them?
We learn about the Cedars of Lebanon, found in Isaiah 35:2; 60:13. It is a symbol of Lebanon. This is a good reference that means that the Bible acknowledges trees and loves them. It is a sign of life!
Lights
Very simply the Christmas lights mean the Light of the World that we acknowledge and love: Jesus Christ! (John 8:12). Any lights that are lit must remind us of Jesus being the Light of the World.
Tinsel
Jeremiah 10:3-4, "3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Although it says these customs are vanity, if someone feels better to do them, then do them as unto the Lord!
Ribbons, bows, and other decor
Incidentally, this is not found in the Bible. Therefore, it is up to the person to decide if they can glorify God with ribbons and bows.
Presents and gifts
Gift giving is encouraged in the Bible. Look in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
But God gifted the most perfect gift: Jesus Christ, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17; see also John 3:16).
Singing songs
This can be found in many Scriptures: the Psalms, Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; Acts 16:25.
Concluding
As you can see, many of these things point to Jesus Christ and we can feel glad that they do, for it is important to worship Jesus Christ at Christmas and enjoy the manifestation of His Presence at all times!
