Jesus Trumps Santa

“Is Santa coming to your house this year?” A Dad at the Play Place asked my 3-year-old son, Kendrick.

“No.” Kendrick replied.

The Dad looked concerned, “Oh, have you been naughty?”

“Yep.” Kendrick said as he ran away to play.

I gave the Dad a half-smile. His questions along with my son’s replies could have given me a perfect segue into the gospel, but as I looked at him and the children that were playing around him, I was at a loss for how to graciously explain why we don’t believe in Santa and why we do believe in the gospel. How do I explain this without ruining the mystery of Santa for these children that are listening to our conversation? I wondered. And how can I not say anything when I know that Jesus is so much better than Santa? My thoughts ended there because Camden, my 1-year-old son, came toddling up to me proudly displaying snot on the tip of his finger, and I led him over to the diaper bag where I found some wipes with which to clean his finger and nose.

I walked away from the Play Place determined not to botch an opportunity like that again. But how? How does one graciously maneuver through the Santa/Jesus minefield with unbelievers while little ears are present? I’ve mulled over this question during the past week and have come to a few conclusions.

First of all, as a parent, why am I teaching what I am? Why am I teaching Jesus and not Santa at Christmas?

Here are a few excerpts from Titus 2 -“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine . . . admonish the young women . . . to love their children . . . that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” My interaction with my children at Christmas should be no different than my interaction with them throughout the rest of the year. I need to love them by teaching and living the gospel. The most loving thing for me to teach them is that they are sinners, just like me, in need of saving. Jesus is the answer to that need, and Christmas is when we celebrate His birth.

Teaching about Santa instead of/or alongside of Jesus could just confuse my children. “He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice . . .” The doctrine of Santa teaches moralism. If we are good we will be rewarded; if we are naughty we will be punished. This is such a far cry from all Jesus is. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ died for me because I am a sinner. The free gift of salvation is offered to me as a result of nothing good that I have done. Jesus loves me in my sin and has come to rescue me from it. As a mother, when I attempt to apply Titus 2 and love my children, I want to be as clear as I can in explaining and exemplifying the gospel. I don’t want anything to get in the way of them understanding how wonderful Jesus is.

Secondly, I should not be surprised that the world embraces Santa. My husband and I were watching Christmas clips online the other day and we watched the Peanuts video clip of Linus explaining the true meaning of Christmas. I watched, somewhat surprised, as he recounted Luke 2. You would be hard pressed to find this in any cartoons being produced today. Our culture has changed and will continue to change. It is no longer common to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas time. How can this be? And yet, how can it not be? 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Jesus is folly to the world. His gospel is offensive to the world. As a mother, be preparing your children for this. Of course the world embraces Santa. He is the best they have to offer. Of course the world rejects Jesus – His gospel requires that we admit to being sinful and in need of a Savior. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Do not be surprised that unbelievers are acting like unbelievers. They can do no less. Have compassion on them. Remember that you used to be just like them. Pray for them. Share the gospel with them. Teach your children to do the same.

To summarize my first two thoughts: One – I teach Jesus at Christmas because Jesus is the gospel. Two – I’m not surprised that the unbelieving world I live in teaches Santa and frowns on Jesus. My third thought answers the following question: How do I teach my children & myself to share these truths with unbelieving children and their parents?

There isn’t an easy, pat answer to this question. I don’t have a quick answer to give to the next Mom or Dad at the Play Place who asks my son if Santa is coming to his house. Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Do this as you interact with unbelievers. Teach your children to do this. No, they won’t always do this, and yes, they will embarrass you as a result. When you’re tempted to be angry with them for humiliating you, remember how often you have humiliated Jesus by not living out the gospel. Redeem the time – praise God for the extra opportunities that Christmas brings to talk about spiritual things. Be grace-filled in your speech and teach your children to do the same. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and then be bold to take them when God presents them.

Titus 2:11-15

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

Does Santa come to our house at Christmas time? No. Is it because we think we’re better than others, taking the “spiritual high road”? No. It’s because we realize that we’re NOT better than others. As sinners we are in desperate need of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. And Jesus is so much better than Santa. He came to earth, lived, died, and rose again for me while I was still sinning. This is an important truth for me to understand, and it is an important truth for me to teach my children.