DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUSE?

Santa Clause Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy, or simply Santa is a figure with legendary, historical and folkloric origins who, in many Western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children on 24 December, the night before Christmas Day.

Do you believe in Santa? I would have to say I do. I know that many people would disagree. Some parents see it as an early mission in their parenting to expose Santa as a cultural myth. Perhaps, they fear that their children will be made fun of by other children who do not believe in Santa or perhaps they feel it’s their religious duty to expose the way culture introduces commercialism as a replacement for the Christmas story.

Whatever the reasons there are certainly many who do not believe. So why would I believe in Santa? A pastor who believes in Santa Clause seems odd at best and maybe even a bit crazy…right? What I think about our culture and Santa Clause is summed up in a song written in 1934.

Listen carefully to the words of the song…

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list

And checking it twice

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

A culture looking for God might well paint this kind of picture. The best picture our world that does not know God has of God may be embodied in a feeble attempt to capture his likeness in Santa Claus.

Think about it for a moment before you dismiss this thought. Santa is portrayed as timeless (he has always been and never dies), Santa is said to be all knowing “He knows when you have been naughty and nice”, It is inferred that he never sleeps but knows when you do and when you are awake, He is said to be good and gives good gifts to those who are good, there is a theme in the song of the return of Santa to your town and a pleading that you be ready, watching and doing good.

This is why I believe in Santa. He is this world’s best portrait of a good God. Though it falls pitifully short of touching on who God really is, it is at least a rough sketch of some of the attributes of the living God!

All-knowing

God knows all things - 1 John 3:20; Psa.147:5; Heb.4:13. This includes the past, the present, and the future. It includes actuality, and contigencies. That is, he knows what will happen, and he knows would "could" happen. There was never a time when God did not know anything. The greatest and deepest and most fascinating thing that God knows is himself, for his is infinitely deep in character and substance and beauty and wisdom. "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:34)

Everywhere-present

God is everywhere - Jer. 23:24; Psa. 139:7-10; 1 Kings 8:27. "This is not to say that God’s form is spread out so that parts of Him exist in every location. God is spirit; He has no physical form. He is present everywhere in that everything is immediately in His presence. At the same time He is present everywhere in the universe. No one can hide from Him and nothing escapes His notice."

Eternal

God exists forever, meaning he has no beginning or end (cf. Psalm 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17). He has always existed in the same way: fully and completely as God. "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)

A better way to approach an unbeliever could be to point out these traits that have been attributed to Santa but are actually the very nature of our God.

The Grace Place family is being proactive in telling the world about Jesus. This year we are participating in the Pflugerville Parade December 5th with a float that will carry a beautiful Christmas message about our Lord and Savior. The parade starts at 5:30 on main street in Pflugerville. If you would like to help with the float or participate in the parade contact us at connect@graceplaceaustin.com

Additionally this December at the Grace Place join us for our series titled: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" each weekend Sat. 6pm or Sun. 10:30am. One of the Highlights of every year is our Candle lit Christmas Eve Service. It will start at 6pm. Make plans now to make the Grace Place your Christmas season home. It's going to be a great Month!!!