Saint Nicholas of Myra is the primary inspiration for the Christian figure of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus).
Did you know that Saint Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes? So, where does worldly transformation come into play with who Santa Claus is and what Christmas has become? Christmas has become about giving gifts to families and friends. This has caused financial stress, unneeded debt, unnecessary materialistic build-up (most things, especially things bought for children rarely last even a year), depression and even death (caused by depression/emotions soaring high-suicide and death even caused by aggressive greedy shoppers on black Friday) What is Christmas really even about? Greed and who got the coolest/most expensive present? Who has the most amazing Christmas tree and lights and yard set-up?
Christmas is a holiday that represents the celebration of Christ's birth. What does that have to do with gift giving and Santa Claus? Sure Santa was a historical figure and possibly an example as to what we should be doing (GIVING to the poor), but we shouldn't be lying to our children about Santa. Sure, it's cute, but it's a lie. If we are going to give gifts to our children shouldn't we be raising them to know that they are being blessed by God and not a non-existent man? We are supposed to raise our children in the way they should go. Is teaching them lies really what we want to start off with as they are still young and vulnerable?
So, the debate: Christmas (a secular holiday) vs a Celebration of Jesus' birth. Which is it?
One or the other, or both? It can't be both that is contradicting. So, you either celebrate Christmas, a worldly holiday about gift giving, or you celebrate the birth of Jesus. So, why, as Christians, are we so easily pulled into the worldly view of Christmas and what it's about? What are we afraid of by not going along with what the "world" expects? What a way to share the word of God...by not celebrating in a secular way, people WILL ask. We are not to serve two masters.
I do not know one Christian who celebrates Christmas any different from a non-Christian. Why? People are afraid to go against the flow in fear of being treated differently. Why are people so afraid? What is there truly to be afraid of? What is gonna happen? You might be asked why you are doing something differently and you then have an open door to sharing the gospel...oooooo, SCARY! Wow, that is probably the worst that is going to happen. And think of all the people who will be blessed by you stepping out and serving others, like the poor and hungry by serving in some way. These people need family too! You probably just saw your family at Thanksgiving, can you imagine being homeless, hungry and cold in this season and you found out that no one would help you because you would rather just be home with your family? How selfish! I am not saying family is not important, I am saying that we should not put them on a pedestal that makes us actually go against the act of serving as God has called us to do. And when we put ourselves out there into the world serving others, it gives us a great opportunity to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ, just as He did! It really isn't difficult, if anything it is an amazing experience! How do I know? I have cumulatively worked in soup kitchens for almost a year. (I still would be, regularly, if I was not a stay at home mom).
I just want to challenge you to go against the flow, against the traditions that are not critical for life and serve, but most of all LOVE AND OBEY GOD IN ALL YOU DO.
Did you know that Saint Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes? So, where does worldly transformation come into play with who Santa Claus is and what Christmas has become? Christmas has become about giving gifts to families and friends. This has caused financial stress, unneeded debt, unnecessary materialistic build-up (most things, especially things bought for children rarely last even a year), depression and even death (caused by depression/emotions soaring high-suicide and death even caused by aggressive greedy shoppers on black Friday) What is Christmas really even about? Greed and who got the coolest/most expensive present? Who has the most amazing Christmas tree and lights and yard set-up?
Christmas is a holiday that represents the celebration of Christ's birth. What does that have to do with gift giving and Santa Claus? Sure Santa was a historical figure and possibly an example as to what we should be doing (GIVING to the poor), but we shouldn't be lying to our children about Santa. Sure, it's cute, but it's a lie. If we are going to give gifts to our children shouldn't we be raising them to know that they are being blessed by God and not a non-existent man? We are supposed to raise our children in the way they should go. Is teaching them lies really what we want to start off with as they are still young and vulnerable?
So, the debate: Christmas (a secular holiday) vs a Celebration of Jesus' birth. Which is it?
One or the other, or both? It can't be both that is contradicting. So, you either celebrate Christmas, a worldly holiday about gift giving, or you celebrate the birth of Jesus. So, why, as Christians, are we so easily pulled into the worldly view of Christmas and what it's about? What are we afraid of by not going along with what the "world" expects? What a way to share the word of God...by not celebrating in a secular way, people WILL ask. We are not to serve two masters. I do not know one Christian who celebrates Christmas any different from a non-Christian. Why? People are afraid to go against the flow in fear of being treated differently. Why are people so afraid? What is there truly to be afraid of? What is gonna happen? You might be asked why you are doing something differently and you then have an open door to sharing the gospel...oooooo, SCARY! Wow, that is probably the worst that is going to happen. And think of all the people who will be blessed by you stepping out and serving others, like the poor and hungry by serving in some way. These people need family too! You probably just saw your family at Thanksgiving, can you imagine being homeless, hungry and cold in this season and you found out that no one would help you because you would rather just be home with your family? How selfish! I am not saying family is not important, I am saying that we should not put them on a pedestal that makes us actually go against the act of serving as God has called us to do. And when we put ourselves out there into the world serving others, it gives us a great opportunity to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ, just as He did! It really isn't difficult, if anything it is an amazing experience! How do I know? I have cumulatively worked in soup kitchens for almost a year. (I still would be, regularly, if I was not a stay at home mom).
I just want to challenge you to go against the flow, against the traditions that are not critical for life and serve, but most of all LOVE AND OBEY GOD IN ALL YOU DO.
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