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 !

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