SANTA AND JESUS
In keeping with a personal tradition, this Christmas message is an original I've never delivered previously. Some Christians have a difficult time relating Christ to Santa Claus, and most of the world has been sand bagged by Satan to use Santa negatively. Actually, Santa Claus was given us by God to use as a type of model to teach children (and some adults) about the Holy Spirit and all the Godly wonders available to us. Of course Satan got hold of the idea and saw a golden opportunity to turn good into bad. His way was to lead Christians to false teaching through religious leaders who didn't understand the story's intent by God, and the human lust for greed. Herewith is the real story of Christmas, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Santa Claus. (I haven't forgotten the Elves!)
This message is directed at Christians, but the WHOLE story is for everyone. God knew the best way to reach children was basically the same as for adults, but needed to be brief and plainly illustrate the rewards. First, you needed to have something better than anything else anyone could think of. That something was SOMEONE, and he had to be so good there was nothing better. God was the model for Santa Claus. Children (and many adults) have trouble believing some thing they can't see. They can better identify through sight. Santa didn't have to be pretty, because what he brings is gifts, just like our Creator. He is portrayed as old and wise, much like the wise men of the Orient.
The wise men knew God's Son would be born, and God placed a special star in the sky to show them the way across an entire continent to the place of Christ's birth. God had chosen a baby to be His beloved child who represents every baby girl and boy. The child was born to common parents who were neither wealthy nor poor. The baby Christ had to begin life with an animal manger as His crib. His position in the world did not matter because He had loving parents. There are two values parents must give children. They are love and instruction in God's worship.
Although the wise men had traveled a long way, they knew that the
wicked king was afraid this expected special baby would replace him.
The king had ordered all Jewish boy babies to be killed, and the wise men knew this. They kept Christ's birth location secret, and after presenting their gifts, departed for home a different way to avoid the king. They gave the baby and His parents gifts of things God told them the family would need. They would have to leave that country and go to Egypt for the safety of Jesus. We don't want to forget that star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. The star has become a symbol for special events and people. The most special representative of the star is Jesus.
As the boy Jesus grew, He soon was lecturing in the temple, a very
unusual thing for a mere boy untrained in Jewish Law. This is an example for us as parents, to begin a child's education as early as possible. God desires all His children to receive an education about His church, society and fields of study and work. Jesus spent His life here on earth giving us our directions. They are found in just four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. His directions are very concise and complete. They are clear and easy enough for Christians to understand. The books of Acts and the Epistles require accompanying study because they give instructions to correct cultural conditions at the newly founded churches. They cannot be accepted and properly used by themselves. As with most other subjects, study is necessary.
Christ represents all the qualities of goodness, and Santa is a symbol children can see and understand. He doesn't represent salvation, but gives us a teaching tool to emphasize the difference in being good or bad. We also can liken his "list" of good and bad children to God's Book of Life. God keeps track of our behavior, and we are judged for our actions. This begins the training to emphasize good behavior and respect for God and others. It can also teach us about generosity towards others and not to expect more than we deserve. It is better to give than receive. Christ gave His life that we may have everlasting life.
Christ resides in Heaven, which children can't see. To help them
understand we have Santa living at the North Pole. We can point out that place on the map, but it is not a friendly environment, and children are usually satisfied by understanding it is only the workplace for Santa and the Elves. Children are told Santa reads their letters of requests and hears their needs and wants. This relates to prayer, and is the method to contact God/Christ. They should be encouraged to pray and communicate with God. As they become older, they can associate their communication with Santa with their communication with God.
Santa brings them gifts when they are obedient and good. When they learn about salvation, they will understand that God gives them gifts of the Spirit when they receive the presence of the Holy Spirit upon acceptance of Christ's offer. Every believer receives at least one gift, and no one is left out. Our gifts as children are both useful and educational. Our gifts of the Spirit are also for our personal maturity and service to God. We are expected to use gifts--both as children and adults--in a responsible way. They are given to us for a purpose, and we are expected to use them.
The elves are Santa's workers, and can be compared both to angels and the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament stories are excellent for demonstrating God's work. They are also wonderful for teaching
youngsters, because they lend themselves the same way fairy tales tell stories. Parents can add explanations as the stories unfold, making them more colorful and interesting.
The Christmas tree is the powerful symbol of Christ's sacrifice to sweep away our mistakes--our sins. He set the example of how we
should shape our life to help others. We have excellent examples in our soldiers, firemen and workers who put their lives on the line to help others. Candles and lights represent Christ, who is the symbol as Light of the World, the embodiment of truth and honesty.
Santa's sleigh that flies through the air is easier for youngsters to
understand today because of the advances in aviation and space. Being able to circle the earth us not such a big deal because Santa is a high tech guy. Christ's message is also designed to circle the world through radio, television, printed material and personal contact. We have an obligation from Christ's Great Commission to be certain His teaching is made available to everyone.
Rudolph and the other reindeer point out the importance and usefulness of the animal kingdom and the environment. There were animals present at Christ's birth. Animals carried out important tasks throughout both Testaments. God made it clear that Christ was a king without the trappings of wealth and position. He rode a donkey, as did His mother. God sent Christ as a perfect example for us. We need to teach children the important things in life, and warn them about Satan's attempt to turn us astray at Christmas. What is his plan? Turning Christ's birthday season into a choice for Christians and others between material and spiritual
observation. The observance of Christmas has become a commercial event beginning at Halloween and lasting two months. That is our choice, and it's far removed from the peace and joy experienced at Christ's birth.
Rev. Walbear
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