I think every kid and adult has some sort of Santa Clause story that really sticks in the forefront of there minds. Mine is still as clear in memory as the day it happened.
My parents decided that Santa Clause would not have a place in our house, which Aaron and I heartily agree. My mom always told us, if I lie to you about Santa Clause, how will you know that I'm telling you the truth about Jesus. She also didn't want to fill out heads with a story only to break our hearts later. So, she very lovingly told us that Santa Clause was a man who lived long ago and gave presents to poor children. She was clear to tell us that the jolly old elf who manages to squeeze down chimneys did not exist. So, from a young age, I knew that the American Santa Clause was a myth and Jesus was and is completely real and alive.
One Christmas when my brother was 3 and I was 7, we went with my dad on a job site. You see, my dad fixed computers on the side. The family that owned the business was very into Santa Clause and, like most adults around this time of year, they assumed we were too. Well, with huge smiles on their faces they asked Jamie, my brother, and I the question... "What is Santa Clause bringing you for Christmas?" Well, my brother and I were not fools and we knew very well what the truth was. Without skipping a beat we both said, quite confidently, "Santa Clause is dead!"
So, that has remained the family Santa story. And yes, Santa Clause is dead, but my Jesus is alive and well and living in my heart. God Bless and Merry Christmas dear readers.
Here is a rather humorous picture to go with the story....
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Oh my goodness, I just burst out laughing when I saw the picture at the end of your post! :)
My parents felt the same way about Santa Clause. Us kids good humoredly went along with some family members who tried to talk to us like he was real. . .we didnt' want to hurt their feelings by telling them that Santa really didn't exist.
What a cute and funny story!
I totally agree. We celebrate "St Nicholas Day" on Dec. 6 and open stockings filled with the things he actually brought: something made of wood, something good to eat and something warm to wear. That way we can celebrate the Godly man that St. Nicholas was without glorifying him and obscuring the real message of Jesus's birth. Enjoy the snow! We are out again today!
How sad that you don't make the connection that Santa is a symbol of loving, giving, and hope. I have told my son that Santa is like Jesus. He is alive in our hearts. I will pray that you become more tolerant of others beliefs. Christ loved all without hesitation. I hope more "Christians" including yourself can overcome pride and their sense of superiority and truly be more Christ like.
To Anonymous,
I find it sad that you hold Santa so highly with Christ. Firstly, Santa Claus did not die on the cross for our sins, nor was he, if he existed at all, the only sinless human being. I'm sorry your son is being filled with ideas that Santa is like Christ. I pray that your eyes are opened to see that it is Jesus, and Jesus alone who we should be praising on Christmas, and not filling our chilren's heads with commercialized ideas.
Lauren, I very much agree with you - you have said it so well!
I feel personally that by putting Santa Clause on the same spiritual level as Christ, we are breaking the commandment to "have no other gods". Christ is our perfect example of love, faith and giving through what He did for us on the cross and for that beautiful gift of eternal life He has given us through his death. Why should there be a need for anything beyond Him?
I do believe it is ultimately each persons right to choose what they want to believe and what to teach to their own children. For myself, I wholeheartedly agree with the original post.
As I said maam I hope you will evolve to be more like Christ. Christ was tolerant of others beliefs. I hope you dare not have a tree in your home for it is the symbol of the pagon yule log brought over as a Germanic tradition, or stockings, mistletoe and tinsel. And I might add that the Roman Catholic church placed the holiday of Christmas in December to coincide with the Winter Solstice for in truth sheaperds only watched their flocks in lambing season. If you had read without the judgement and condemnation of a true follower of Christ I told my son Santa lives in your heart like Christ not that he was a replacement for Christ. The spirit of good is what he symboloizes. Please pray for yourself not my son he is being raised to see beyond his own nose and love all people without judgement and pride, much the same as Christ did.
Anonymous, I'm always sadly amused when people such as yourself scream tolerance for your own beliefs while denying that tolerance for others. Most of us here aren't Santa fans, if you want to be, then feel free to post about it on your blog; but it's bad manners to try to lord your beliefs over Lauren's. She's entitled to state her feelings freely here, it's *her* blog!
Paris
Anonymous -
Your Christ is not My Christ. You are worshiping a Christ made in your own image - He was NOT tolerant of other faiths and is IS not tolerant of other faiths. The Bible is very clear that all other faiths are WRONG and Jesus is the ONLY way. People like you make me angry and people like you make real Christians look stupid. Love does NOT equal tolerance. Repent to God and turn from your wicked ways Anonymous - and have the courage to leave your name.
Lauren - great post! Love ya! :)
Wow! I had no idea that my Santa Story would cause such conversation. It is Jesus who we celebrate during Christmas, and I agree with my husband. Jesus is very clear that He is the only way, truth and light. God Bless!
Aaron, AMEN!!
i will not give my opinion of santa but i will leave you with this
Mary's Christmas Dream
I had a dream Joseph, I don't understand it, not really, but it was about a birthday celebration for our son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for about 6 weeks. they had the house decorated and bought new cloths. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because these presents weren't for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph right in there house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. it looked like and angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. Everyone was laughing and happy. They were excited about the gifts. They gave gifts to each other. Joseph not our Son. i don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go through all that trouble to celebrate someones birthday if they don't know him. I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph and everyone so gay, but it made me want to cry. how sad for Jesus- not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I am glad it was only a dream. How terrible if it had been real.
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sorry this was so long. at my house we have a birthday cake that says happy birthday Jesus on it. now correct me if i am wrong but it is called Christmas which is Christ's Mass I don't think it's call santamas.
ps i love the picture
Thank you Janice. And yes, you are indeed correct. THe holiday we velebrate on December 25th is called Christmas. God Bless!
Well, this post has been intersting to say the least. :)
Lauren, God bless you and yours this very merry Christ mas.
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