Forty-three days…
John 6:28-29
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (N.K.J.V.)
At Christmastime, children are often asked, “Do you believe?” Department stores have coined the word “believe” as a slogan, writing it on shopping bags and signs throughout the stores. The word “believe” has become associated with the dearly loved and jolly soul, named Santa Clause.
Santa has become a controversial topic for Christians over the years. I won’t be a Scrooge at Christmas, and you won’t see me bah humbugging the beloved, white-bearded, big guy, unless… he is stealing the meaning of Christmas. My only issue is this, at Christmas the word “believe” should be ALL about Jesus. Without Him, there would be no celebration. When you ask a child growing up in a Christian home why Christmas is celebrated, their first response should be that it is Jesus’ birthday. Santa needs to be secondary to Jesus.
We desire to give our children everything they want and need at Christmas. We want our family Christmases to be made up of special memories. While working to achieve those goals, we sometimes lose sight that the most beautiful gift we can possibly give our precious children, or anyone else for that matter, is the story surrounding the miraculous birth of Christ. Believing in Him gives the amazing gift of eternal life. There is no greater gift.
While I was shopping the other night and saw the word “believe” plastered all over the place, it brought to mind that it is my responsibility to cement the foundation of Christmas into my family. The world wants to remove His name from it. Who knows? The way things are going, they just might succeed. However, as long as I have breath, I will make sure the name of Jesus is associated with the beautiful celebration of His birth as the reason for this joyous holy day.
This is in no way meant to be a judgment of anyone. If Santa is a part of your Christmas tradition, then so be it. Just make Christ first and Santa Secondary…
