(Jesus is)
Recently I have been thinking about how far from it’s Christian roots Christmas has actually strayed. And one way that it has done so is the invention of Santa. And I truly don’t understand why we tell children about this “Santa” at all.
First of all, Santa is a lie. He doesn’t really even exist. It’s not Santa that brings children presents. It is their parents. Didn’t God command us not to lie? Eventually children will find out that Santa does not exist and that their parents have lied. Is this a good influence on them?
Secondly, Santa teaches children that love is conditional. Children are told that if they’re good they’ll get a present from Santa but if they’re naughty they’ll get a sack of potatoes or lumps of coal. This teaches them that in order to be loved they have to be good. Where does this leave children who don’t get a present, not because they haven’t been good, but because their parents can’t afford it? God taught us that love should be unconditional when he sent his son to save us DESPITE our faults and mistakes. Isn’t this the love that we should be teaching children about?
Thirdly, telling children a new story about Santa, elves, reindeer and presents detracts from the most beautiful story of all: the one in which God sends his son. Christmas is supposed to be a celebration of Jesus’ birth and what that meant for mankind, not a holiday focused predominantly on gift-giving!
So, I implore you, before you start telling children about Santa, just ask yourself: is this what’s really best for them?
Peace and Blessings!
No comments:
Post a Comment