I have been pondering my thoughts on how to tactfully write this post, but realized that the Truth is the Truth.  We are one of those parents who deny our children Santa.  We give our children presents, but call them family gifts.  We emphasize we give gifts because God gave us the most precious gift of them all.  No gift can measure up to His reward.

As Christians, we train our children that Christmas Day is the day we choose to honor the miraculous birth of Jesus and that this alone calls for a celebration. Sadly, the world has slowly endorsed Santa Claus as a compliment to Christmas, making him the focus of the Christmas season. Unfortunately, I have become offended by this invasion of the truth for several reasons.

My words are not meant to discourage anyone who celebrates Christmas with Santa, but just to explain our reasoning for telling our children the truth.  I know plenty of families that are strong believers who acknowledge Santa, and I love them dearly.  This is a very controversial issue and I respect others take on Santa, but not necessarily agree with them all.The Lord delivers messages to His children according to His plan and to the extent that they can comprehend and live out each portion of the plan.This is the season we are in today.

I longed for Christmas Day as a child, not to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but because I received wonderful anticipated, expected gifts.  Yes, I heard the Christmas Story, but I never really understood or should I say appreciated the true meaning of Christmas until I was a saved adult.  So Santa was considered an idol for me.  I had no intention of breaking one of the commandments.  And most citizens ,even Christians, wouldn’t say this is anything out of the norm.  But, I was truly saddened when my ds 4 at the time told me that Santa brings him better gifts than Jesus.   There was no one else to blame but myself.  Unintentionally, I was creating an idol for my children.   “You shall have no other Gods before Me.”  Ex 20:3

Another reason why we deny the belief of Santa is Santa is NOT REAL!  My children have been told the origin of Santa Claus, yet know how far fetched the true story has become. All the paraphernalia that goes along with Santa is NOT real!  We made a vow to never lie to our children.  A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish. Proverbs 19:19

There are many other reasons why we do not promote Santa.  None really worth mentioning except the following one.  We are following God’s direction in this matter, despite the negative reactions from friends or family.  I was enlightened today when Grace emailed me this verse in an unrelated email…For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.  Galatians 1:10

Call me “Scrooge, ” or “A legalistic” if you will, but one verse continues to come to my mind…Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.  John 3:36

This issue of Santa pertaining to our home comes down to really one true consideration … Do I want to be obedient to Christ?  He is the one I have to answer to, not the secular world.  I’m not expecting you to be convicted in the same way, but respect me solely that I am following God’s Will in this decision for our children.

May you truly enjoy the reason for the season.  And marvel in the greatest story of them all, Luke 2.

A Savior has been Born!