Today I was scrolling through Facebook for no reason. Actually I was supposed to be working on Confessions of a Baptist but I somehow got sidetracked as I usually do. This time however I was inspired.
As I scrolled I was about to click out of the Facebook app and get back to work when a post caught my eye. I’m not even sure what exactly about the post caught my eye but I started reading before I even stopped scrolling.
Here is the post:
I decided not to share any information on the person who posted this because well for one this world can be a cruel place. Two I didn’t even ask permission.
However, this is a topic I have been wanting to write about for some time but never did. I guess I needed that little extra nudge.
As a blogger, especially a Christian Blogger I often struggle with what to write about.
I have so many thoughts and ideas constantly flowing through my mind that it often becomes overwhelming.
When I sit down to write I may have 3 Topics outlined to write about but never end up writing that day.
It took me a while, nearly nine months, to realize that even though this is my Blog, my baby, it doesn’t matter what I want to write about. It matters what God wants.
And that is why I knew when I read that post on Facebook I had to write this post. It is actually kind of crazy or supernatural how this played out.
It’s Saturday and I came into my office at 7 this morning with every intention to get my To Do list checked off which included a new Blog Post.
Here it is a little after 1pm and I had nothing written. Until I randomly scrolled Facebook and came across a topic that has been on my heart for a very long time.
Christians and Santa
I know this will offend a lot of people and for that I wish I could say I am sorry but then I would be lying.
Growing up, my dad always taught me to tell the truth no matter what. I could be wrong but maybe that is one of the reasons I am so conscientious.
My dad was so big on telling the truth he wouldn’t even make a promise unless he knew he could keep it.
And when it came to Santa Clause, well I knew from a very young child that he didn’t exist.
Because of this and my dad being honest with me from the beginning it has always made me wonder about Christians and Santa.
Should Christians teach their children that Santa is real?
This was always something that bothered me. So much that when I had my own children I didn’t write “From Santa” on their presents.
I always wrote From Mom. I think for many years I did it subconsciously not even realizing what I was doing.
A few years ago when my son was younger I used to teach Sunday School. One Christmas in particular I shared my feelings on this exact topic and honestly I was surprised with the reaction I got in return.
We were in Sunday School wrapping gifts that we had gotten for our class. It was myself and two other teachers that I taught with.
This was nearly 8 years ago so I can’t remember the specifics of the details but I what I do remember is the reaction from one of the other teachers when I said:
“I told my kids there is no Santa and I put From Mom not From Santa on their presents.”
As soon as I got the last word out I could already tell I hit a nerve.
Her response was (in an agitated tone):
“That is your right to feel that way”
Sitting there speechless, I think that is the very first time I realized not all Christians think alike. Nor do all Christians truly follow what the Bible says.
Now don’t get me wrong or misinterpret what I am saying. By no means am I perfect. I fail daily just as any other Christian.
In fact there are probably things, a lot of things I need to work on.
With that said, aren’t we supposed to call one another out when we are slipping or failing? I’ve been called on several occasions.
And yes I was angry at first. Until the Holy Spirit checked my attitude that is.
From Mom not Santa
I have to agree with the author of the Facebook Post above. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus and his birth.
Santa is a made up fictional illusion that can’t save us nor forgive us. He doesn’t even really bring presents on Christmas eve.
Which brings me to another problem that has always bothered me. How do you explain to a child that their friend got all those nice expensive presents from Santa and they didn’t?
Do you tell them it was because they were bad or do you tell them the truth?
As a once struggling single mom there were many Christmases that I couldn’t afford presents. My kids were lucky to get one thing.
Maybe it was a little bit of selfishness but writing “From Mom” on their presents and not “From Santa” gave me just a little bit of enjoyment.
This year I challenge you to write “From Mom and Dad” not “From Santa” and I challenge you to tell your kids the truth. I promise it won’t kill them.
After all telling your kids their is a Santa Clause is a lie. You wouldn’t dare tell them the Devil isn’t real would you?
So why lie and tell them Santa is real and if they are bad he won’t bring them presents?
If we as Christians were a little more consistent in telling the truth maybe our children wouldn’t grow up to be spoiled liberal brats who get offended easily and believe things that are clearly not okay are okay.
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