Christmas Part 2: Jesus vs. Santa?

Classic as this argument may be, it is still a fresh one to us, and will always be relevant as long as Christmas continues as it has for so long. Some of you may know us enough already at this point to know this fact, but some of you may not quite know us enough to know that we are Anti-Santa Clause. Now, we do not deny that there existed a man who generously gave gifts to needy children as an expression of love and generosity. We only object to one of the biggest Christian holidays of the year (Easter being another one - and we are also Anti-Easter Bunny!!!) being overtaken by Materialism's poster boy, Santa Clause.

For us, it is all about who takes center stage. Thereofore, I will never call any believer a non-believer if they do celebrate Christmas with Santa, as long as he doesn't take center stage. Call it rebellion, or simply going against the flow, but we are perfectly fine with that. Christmas is all about celebrating the greatest gift of all - the Son of God taking on human flesh and dwelling among sinful man so that those who might believe in him would be saved and one day dwell with God. That is what Christmas is all about.

Our children will grow up knowing that there is no such thing as Santa, and we will save them years of materialistic disappointment. Santa can be fun, I agree, but the Tempter himself would not plan his take over of Christmas in a boring, obviously ungodly fashion. No, he will mix a little bit of truth with the error, and make it interesting and rewarding enough for all who participate to be subtly dooped, one year at a time.

What about gifts? Here is what our plan will be from here on out...

We will have a tree. We will have gifts. But the centerpiece of our living room will be a manger full of hay. On Christmas morning, a baby doll will be placed in the manger. Our gifts will then appear under the manger rather than under the tree. We will explain to our children and family that these gifts are merely a tiny reflection of the greatest gift that God has given to all of us. One which he continues to give even now!

Hopefully this will enstill in the hearts of our children that materialism has no part in the grand scheme of God's masterful plan. Christmas is so exciting for me. And now, it can be wedded with the real meaning behind it by being Anti-Santa, and Pro Jesus!