Sunday, December 7, 2008

JESUS VS. SANTA


While looking through some files of things I have saved, I ran across this little essay. I think there is much truth in these words. However, this is not an opinion on whether you should teach your children about Santa or not. That is your business. Personally, in our family,there was never any problem with Santa. It was fun to pretend for a few years, but then it was over.
At the church I attend, I worked with children for about 30 years. Of course the Santa question would always come up. Now, my attitude was (since I have retired from the preschool dept. now) kids get enough of Santa everywhere they go. At church, I felt it was important to NOT show Santa, and to show only the true Christmas story. I feel that at church, everything that is taught should be real. (Therefore, I didn't do Easter bunnies or any other cartoon characters.) I am not saying we did not do them at home...just not at church.

If asked about Santa by the children, at church, and I was asked many times...here was my reply. "When I come to church, I use my Bible. I know that everything in the Bible is true. When I read about Christmas in my Bible, it only talks about Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. So, that's what we will talk about and learn about while we are here. " And then I would swiftly move on to something else. :) Because I believe that it is important to always tell a child the truth, especially when asked outright. And, if a child learns later that some of the things they saw at church were not real, they will wonder what else they learned at church is not real. And that can cause a person much difficulty in sorting things out.

Now I would never tell a child that Santa is not real or that they shouldn't be celebrating Christmas that way. It was enough that we put our emphasis on the real story.

And that is my 2 cents worth on that! Here's the essay...

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Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season !


copied

10 comments:

marychristina said...

What a good little essay! And I love your 2 cents worth...a very good explanation for children. So good for them to learn that the truth is in the Bible--and those are the things we want to be sure of.

Also, just love all your funny stories and pictures!

Maggie said...

Amen. Thanks for posting this gem.

Dianne said...

Great essay! I love it! :-) I've had a busy week with the Living Christmas Tree at church, so I'm just now checking in...I will be following down to catch up with your week, just to let you know! Hope all is well with you!

Jean said...

That essay is GREAT!! And I like your 2 cents' worth too.

Justabeachkat said...

I agree with your "two cents worth". Great essay.

Merry Christmas
Hugs!
Kat

YaYa's Funhouse said...

Great essay!!

nancygrayce said...

I love that!

Sherrie said...

Love the poem!!!

andi said...

Thanks for the helpful view! I am sorting through all of this right now actually! Thanks, as always.

Angela Baylis said...

I love how you handle Christmas with the kids! So many do it wrong. I just knew you would tell the truth! The essay was great! Where did you find it? Do you know who wrote it? I love your heart, Tonja!
Angie xoxo