It's something I believe people need to realize.
There are so many Christians who believe we should not celebrate Christmas, being Jesus' birthday.
Yes, I realize that no one knows when Jesus was born. Not anyone knows the true date.
However, Christmas was celebrated to honour Jesus. And, Santa Claus was created in the manner of giving gifts.
How do I know this?
In the past, I've read about this... over and over, again. And, have discussed it, previously.
Then, I read what a Facebook (FB) friend poted. Mark Grosse posts about our Lord, always. Over and over.
I was happy to have read a posting he made, concerning Christmas being honoured by Santa Claus.
I'm sharing it with you (I copied/pasted):
Mark Anthony Grosse
Although Santa Claus is a mythical figure, his creation is based in part on a great Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. Nicholas was born to Christian parents who left him an inheritance when they died, which he distributed to the poor. He became a priest at a young age and was well-known for his compassion and generosity. He had a reputation for giving gifts anonymously, and he would throw bags of money into people's homes (and sometimes down their chimneys) under the cover of night to avoid being spotted.
Nicholas passed away on December 6 sometime around the 340s or 350s AD, and the day of his death became an annual feast in which children would put out food for Nicholas and straw for his donkey. It was said that the saint would come down from heaven during the night and replace the offerings with toys and treats—but only for the good boys and girls. There are many different versions of the legend of Saint Nicholas, but all are the inspiration for the jolly, red-suited gift-giver that we now know as Santa Claus.
Many Christian parents are torn as to whether or not they should play the "Santa game" with their children. On one hand, he makes Christmas fun and magical, leaving wonderful holiday memories for years to come. On the other hand, the focus of Christmas should be on Jesus Christ and how much He has already given us. So, is the story of Santa Claus an innocent addition to Christmas festivities, or is he a subject that should be avoided?
Parents need to use their own judgment in deciding whether or not to include Santa during the holidays, but here are some things to consider: Children who believe that the gifts they receive Christmas morning are from a magical man with unending resources are less likely to appreciate what they have been given, and the sacrifices their parents make in providing them. Greed and materialism can overshadow the holiday season, which is meant to be about giving, loving, and worshiping God. Children whose parents are on a tight budget may feel that they have been overlooked by Santa, or even worse, deemed one of the "bad" boys or girls.
An even more troubling aspect of telling our children that Santa comes down the chimney each year to leave their gifts is that it is, obviously, a lie. We live in a society that believes that lying for the "right" reason is acceptable. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, it is not a problem. This is contrary to what the Bible tells us. "For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to live a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies'" (1 Peter 3:10, Of course, telling our children that Santa is real is not a malicious deception, but it is, nevertheless, a lie.
Although it is probably not typical, some children honestly feel deceived and betrayed by their parents when they find out that Santa is not real. Children trust their parents to tell them the truth, and it is our responsibility not to break this trust. If we do, they will not believe more important things we tell them, such as the truth about Christ, whom they also cannot physically see.
This doesn’t mean we must leave Santa completely out of Christmas. Children can still play the "Santa game" even if they know it is all pretend. They can make lists, sit on his lap at the mall, and leave out cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. This will not rob them of their joy of the season, and gives parents the opportunity to tell their children about the godly qualities of the real Saint Nicholas, who dedicated his life to serving others and made himself into a living example of Jesus Christ.
Aww... how amazing! How truthful!
Thank you, Mark Grosse!
Saint Nicholas definitely did secret gift giving, just as you can read in this link entitled, Saint Nicholas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas. It was known as Sinterklaas.
This was done to honour our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Please realize that even though some people speak about Santa Claus, those who do, should actually explain about what Santa Claus/Sinterklaas was set up to do for people... honouring Jesus' birthday!
Without doing this, speaking a lie, can be true.
But, by doing this, people can then teach children truth about celebrating our Lord, Jesus Christ's birthday.
And, so can we, who want to speak about Jesus while celebrating His birthday.
For this, I am thankful. Even though many people think we shouldn't honour Jesus, by celebrating His birthday and giving gifts to others.
I do. After all, Jesus was born.
Just as we read, in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Amen! Christ the Lord, our Saviour was born!
Even though we truly do not know what the actual date is when He was born. He was truly born!
He came to earth, to pay the price for the sin of world, of all who trust in/believe upon Him. By doing this, He has become the Saviour of all who trust in/believe upon Him. Just as we read, in various parts of the Bible.
So please realize that even though no one truly knows when Jesus' birthday is, it is good to at least use a date that people around the world use, like December 25th, or January 6th, 7th or 19th, as discussed on Wikipedia. Click on this link, to read about it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas.
By doing this, we can then wish Jesus... Happy Birthday!
By doing this, we can speak/teach people about Jesus and His birthday!
By doing this, we can give gifts to family, friends and/or others, in an effort to honour Jesus' birthday, since we can't give Him a gift.
By doing this, we can honour our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I will.
Hopefully, you will, also.
Merry Christmas!
Until next time...
If you would like to comment, please e-mail: lifewithlynnie@gmail.com
