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“What do you think about the lie of Santa Clause?” asked nobody.
“Sure, I’d be glad to weigh in on the Santa controversy,” I replied . . .
It has been said, ad nauseum, that secular traditions such as Christmas trees, Santa Clause, and even the word “Christmas” should be condemned by Christians because they distract and detract from the true meaning of Christ’s birth.
I disagree.
Those many traditions are so ingrained into society that they cannot be reversed nor abolished. They can, however, be used in a positive manner. I’ve previously discussed how the Christmas tree points to Jesus Christ. It is easy for me to tell, as well, how Santa’s (“Saint Nicholas‘ “) life and existence points, to the life and teachings of Jesus.
I only implore you, dear reader, not to foster the lies about Santa Clause, St. Nicholas, or Father Christmas, but tell the factual truth about them. It’s the same for the the gift-giving, the lights, and the joyous celebrating. One can ignore any or all of it, but I believe that we should not only accept, as a fact of life, the secular traditions; the things that have been distorted and perverted away from the original intent of honoring the Christ-child, but turn them back upon themselves to their true purpose which is to celebrate His birth, to point to Him, to highlight Him, and to glorify Him in the unfettered, hopeful, optimistic, rejoicing manner in which the host of angels announced His arrival to the shepherds, and to us.
Those traditions can be used to help us illuminate Him in a darkened world. I believe that is our commission, our duty, and our pleasure, as believers and as beneficiaries of The Father’s miraculously humble, and humbling gift.
The gift of The Savior Child is given to every one of us, but it must be accepted before it can be unwrapped and enjoyed.
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Whatever you do,
Whatever you think,
Seek Him in all things
And have yourself a happy,
Have yourself a joyous,
Have yourself the merriest Christmas!
Above all,
Remember Who is glorious,
Give Him all your glory,
Keep it Christmas-Story-ous!
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Alone in the Rockies.
Gloryteller 
Jan 03, 2015 @ 08:16:38
Real Christians should come to understand that they should avoid all heathen elements in their worshipping.
December 25, Christmas, has nothing to do with the child God took car to come onto the earth to save the world. Santa Claus, reindeers, guirlandes, glassor plastic coloured balls, Christmas trees, snow, have nothing to do with the period Jesus was born (4BCE October 17) nor with the place (Bethlehem) where no such trees are and where there was no snow at the time of the birth of the descendant of king David.
Jan 08, 2015 @ 01:15:37
Thank you, Marcus, for taking the time to read my post and share your opinion. I agree that we should display righteousness in our worship and worship only God and nothing else. I’m troubled by the term “real Christians”, however. What comprises one of those? Sure, we know the rules, but we all fall short and have need of our Savior Lord, but who can judge that relationship? Only God can judge our hearts and determine if we are “real Christians”.
As for December 25th not being Jesus’ actual birth date, I agree. It could have been October 17, as you propose, or September 11, which is even more probable, but we have no way to be absolutely certain. It is said that December 25th coincides with a pagan celebration, and that early Christians, trying to promote the incarnation of their Lord, chose that coinciding date to do so. I feel that they had good reason to choose that date – many good reasons. It would have been advantageous in several ways for the promotion of the Christian faith. That may make you bristle, but think about it. What if their choice was divinely inspired? Those early “fathers of our faith” operated closely with the Holy Spirit. To me, it sounds just like our Father God to make such a surprising, paradoxical move to bring His Word to “the Gentiles”.
As for the rest of the traditional secular trappings, none of it is necessary for my personal celebration of His birth, although my family participates, and I, the metaphor-seeker that I am, can see aspects of my living Lord in it and in everything! I do set up a small manger scene which is special to me because that scene is one of my favorites from The Bible. For me, my worship goes to that holy Baby, the man He grew to be, and what he did for me.
Dec 20, 2014 @ 04:56:53
hey you’ve got a great blog! followed! please spare some time to visit my blog at saadiapeerzada.wordpress.com
i will be grateful. 🙂
Dec 20, 2014 @ 11:32:43
Thanks, Saadia, I will do that. 🙂
Dec 21, 2014 @ 03:29:33
🙂
Dec 19, 2014 @ 14:24:36
Hi, Len, no discussion or arguments, just saying hi to my brother in the Lord,
Maria
Dec 19, 2014 @ 22:07:54
Hi, Maria!
I understand and appreciate what you are saying.
I thought of you as this took form.
I wish you great joy in the coming of the Lord.
Thanks for your gracious visit and comment, sister.
Glory be all His,
Len
Dec 19, 2014 @ 22:25:49
Hi, Len!
Amen – yes, glory be all His! Have a blessed weekend,
Maria