Thursday, December 20, 2007

Thursday Thirteen - Santa vs. Jesus

13 Reasons Jesus is better than Santa

1. Santa lives at the North Pole, Jesus is everywhere. (Psalm 139:7-12)
2. Santa comes but once a year... Jesus is an ever present help. (Matt 28:20)
3. Santa fills your stockings with goodies... Jesus supplies all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
4. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited; Jesus stands at the heart of your door and knocks, and enters when invited. (Rev 3:20)
5. You have to wait in line to see Santa; Jesus is as close as the mention of His name. (Psalm 145:18)
6. Santa lets you sit on his lap, Jesus lets you rest in His arms. (Matt 11:28-29)
7. Santa doesn't know your name; Jesus knew your name before you were born,
your history and your future. (Psalms 139:13)
8. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly; Jesus has a heart full of love. (1 John 4:8)
9. Santa says: "You better not cry". Jesus says: "Cast all your cares upon Me because I care for you". (1 Peter 5:7)
10. Santa may make you chuckle. Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
(Phil 4:4-7)
11. Santa is a jolly ole' fellow; Jesus is the King of Kings. (1Tim 6:15)
12. Santa gives you gifts under a tree. Jesus gave us the gift of His life on a tree. (John 3:16, Mark 15:24 & 1 Peter 3:18)
13. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!! (Luke 2:6–14)
~~~Author unknown, except for #13, I added that one!!

I don't remember when I found out that Santa wasn't real. I'm not sure that hubs remembers what year he found out, but he remembers being very upset...hurt that everyone around him had led him to believe in something that wasn't real.

We have chosen not to make Santa 'real' in our home. He is a fantasy, like Dora, Mickey Mouse and Cinderella. He is a game that some families play. We do not teach 'against' him, nor make him 'evil', but we do not want the kids to believe wholeheartedly in something false. We teach our children to tell the truth; we always want honesty from them. What better way to teach them about honesty than to model it?

The wonder of our Christmas is Jesus. We have a birthday party for Him. Ella recites the Christmas Story. We exchange gifts because it's a celebration of His birth and the Wise men brought Him gifts. Their stockings still get filled. Gifts still appear for Christmas morning. Our kids are as thrilled as any other children on Christmas morning. And they know that everything is from Mommy and Daddy. Why should Santa get credit for Daddy's hard work and my hours of planning, shopping and wrapping??

'Santa-ing' is a personal decision for every family. We don't force our opinion on anyone or condemn anyone for doing what they see fit. We respect your decision, and we only want respect in return.

However you celebrate Christmas, we hope it is a joyous time for you and your family!

2 comments:

Lorrie said...

I love that! Especially the one about gifts and the tree.
Our children have known the truth about Santa for a while now. The tough thing for me was teaching my children how to respond when someone asked what Santa was going to bring them or after Christmas when someone asked what Santa brought them, they would tell the truth. "There's no Santa Claus" and some adults would look at you with a strange bewildered look on their face. So I had to instruct the kids with "just tell em' what you got." They were always good about not telling other children, (as far as I know) until Alex got to be around ten and then I think her friends started questioning Christmas. And I think she at that point felt compelled to share what she knew.

Heather said...

Excellent post--you think like we do. Thanks for the compliment on my painting. You have some good stuff here--added you to my google reader--will be back. Have a blessed Christmas.