Santa Claus Vs. God

 

 Introduction

As we head further into December, the thoughts of the Christmas season and the figure of Santa Claus becomes prevalent in people’s life. However, parents have a tendency to increase the abilities of Santa to Godlike proportions.

On the flipside, some religious people see God as a Santa Claus when they are physically blessed with material goods and health. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the same coin.

 

Is Santa Claus God?

While some will deny they don’t see Santa as Godlike, you should be familiar with these lyrics from a well-known song:

He sees you when you’re sleeping,

He knows when you’re awake,

He knows if you’ve been bad or good,

So be good for goodness’ sake.

First and foremost, do not lie to your children that Santa Claus is real. Just because it’s a holiday tradition does not make it acceptable to lie to them. Because once the truth is found out, and they will find out, you have no idea how it might scar them mentally.

If children are, later, told that Santa isn’t real, they might merge that notion over to God. Given that no one had seen Him at any time. And that is more irreparable damage to a child than to show them that Santa isn’t real.

Pretending that Santa exists is much different; especially if it helps children to use their imagination. Get them to realize that Santa Claus is an invention of men dating back to the fourth century with a man of the Catholic faith. It wasn’t until 1823 that the poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” or better known as “The Night Before Christmas” that established the current image of Santa in the red suit and the sleigh.

God is very much real and, though there is no physical proof, you have to consult the scriptures to show that He is, indeed, real (Isa. 44:6; 45:5; Heb. 11:6).

 

Is God Santa Claus?

People in First-World countries, like the United States, definitely have more material wealth than others in other countries. If they are “Christians”, they attribute it to God given that they are such “Godly People”.

When someone gets a new job; with a six-figure salary, a nice house, a fancy car, and stylish clothes, they’ll say, “it’s because God loves us so much that He’s given us everything we need.” Read my article, The Americanized Christian.

But what about those who live in third-world countries? No high-paying job, a hut (instead of a house), handmade clothing, and scraps for food. If their faith is strong enough, aren’t they just as Godly?

Consider this story, Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:41-44)

Even those without God in their life benefit materialistically. Why? Here’s what Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44-45). Everyone benefits from the rain and everyone suffers during a drought. God does not pick and choose those who would benefit (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34b; Gal. 2:6).

 

Conclusion

Santa Claus is not God, nor is God Santa Claus. The truth can be found in the scriptures, and it should be adhered to daily.