Jesus is the Reason

As I grew up, daddy played Santa until I was about three or so.  To be honest, I have no memory of him playing Santa at all and I'm kind of guessing about my age.  After that, he became convicted and stopped anything to do with Santa during the Christmas season.  So I vaguely remember anything of Santa through my childhood.  Most of what daddy taught us was that Santa is a lie.  But he also made us very aware of the similarities between Santa and Jesus.  The red suit being Christ's blood.  The white on his suit is how Christ washes us white as snow.  That he sees us when we're sleeping and when we're awake, just like Christ.  He knows when we've been bad or good, just like Christ.  He's keeping a list, just like Christ.  So I can understand and I very much respect anyone's conviction not to participate in playing Santa with their children.

As I grew up and had children of my own, those things I was taught as a child about Santa I remembered and, although Bruce wanted to play Santa with the kids, he respected me and we did not play Santa.  But when Harrison was born and we were told not to have anymore children Bruce really wanted to play Santa with him.  Bruce had a lot of fun memories as a child.  His mom always made sure that Santa was never the main focus through Christmas.  She made sure her four boys knew that Jesus was the reason we celebrated Christmas.  That it was all about Him.  But she did take them to see Santa and she did leave gifts for them under the tree from Santa. 

I gave into playing Santa with Harrison, so he's the only one of my three children that ever believed.  And I have to admit, it's been fun.  I worked very hard teaching my children, not the similarities, but the differences between Santa and Christ.  When I received this in an email from a friend of mine I thought I would post it.  Santa is fun to play.  But Jesus truly is the reason for the season.  So as you think about the similarities that others say Satan uses to rob Christ of this season, remember the DIFFERENCES between them.  The differences that cause Santa to pale in comparison to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Saviour and not Santa

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 (cross).

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.