One segment in the current edition of Christianity
Today asks the question “Should churches discourage belief in Santa Claus?”
This has been a debate among Christians through the years. Some say parents
shouldn’t “dupe” their children into believing that Santa exists, in essence
lie to their children. Others maintain there is room for Santa in our Christmas
celebration. He, it is claimed, represents the spirit of generosity and giving.
Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) about 300 A.D. was
known for giving secret gifts to all. As his legend was passed down through
generations and cultures his name came to us as “Santa Claus.” Most current
beliefs about Santa derive from the poem by Clement C. Moore, “A Visit From St
Nicholas.” For two centuries this poem has shaped the concept of Santa here and
around to world.
As
far as being “duped” by Christian Parents, mine went along with society’s make
believe. Having a belief in Santa didn’t prevent me from embracing Christ and
as a child I felt no conflict. Neither did I feel like my parents did me wrong by
playing along with the stories of St. Nick, or the Easter Bunny for that
matter.
To
me, getting rid of Santa Claus, as some zealous Christians wish to do, would be
a tragedy. It would be nice if children could get as excited about the baby
Jesus as they do about presents under the Christmas tree. But young children
will never do that. Santa (or the pretense of a real Santa) has brought
incalculable joy to children of every generation and, as a parent and
grandparent, I know the joy of watching small children on Christmas morning. So
much joy would be lost if there were no Santa deception.
Parents
should fess up to an older child who sincerely asks if Santa is real, but I, for one,
am not in favor of bumping off Santa.
Grace and peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment