Why I love Christmas – The Idea of Santa Claus

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

When I was a boy and people would ask me what I wished to be when I grew up I never told them the truth.  I tried once and was told it would never happen so I quit telling people.  When I was little I wanted to be Santa.  I bought it all and wanted the job.

The idea of spending the entire year preparing for Christmas and then making millions of people happy echoed in my core.  Much of my spirit of giving is still rooted in that echo.  When I realized the ramifications of the idea of Santa Claus I never let go of the idea. 

The world could use someone whose entire career was devoted to gift giving.  I realize that at some point one must bridge the gap between fantasy and reality in a way that works and is healthy.  I think that parents who follow Christ struggle with this because of both practical and social implications.  Last week I read an excellent article on this issue; Redeeming Santa Claus by Reverend Robert Cunningham of Tate’s Creek Presbyterian Church.  He discusses this issue well enough that I do not need to add my redundancy. 

The idea of Santa Claus for me is one that in reality touches the need for the mysterious and magical to be a part of the practical.  This is truly only found in Christ who is the bridge between the supernatural and the natural worlds.  He is the one who makes the unbelievable real.  He uses faith to as the engine for us to engage in this process.  “Seeing is not believing.  Believing is seeing.”   

When it comes to children and Santa I used the idea that Rev. Cunningham suggests with my children.  It was good for one of them and the other one wanted Santa to be real for his own purposes.  I know that as I grow older I want there to be a real Santa for all the right purposes.  The world needs Christ and it needs humans who care about giving for the right reasons.  If the job comes open I am applying for it.

Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer

Pullin' on the reins

Bells are ringin', children singin'

All is merry and bright

Hang your stockings and say your prayers

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

He's got a bag that's filled with toys

For boys and girls again

Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,

Oh what a beautiful sight

So jump in bed and cover your head

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

He doesn't care if you're rich or poor

He loves you just the same

Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children

That makes everything right

So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

He'll come around when the chimes ring out

That it's Christmas morn again

Peace on earth will come to all

If we just follow the light

So lets give thanks to the lord above

That Santa Claus comes tonight!

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

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Why I love Christmas – The Real Saint Nicholas

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I often wish I could know the men who forged the foundation of the church.  There are many questions I would ask them.  Faith is so easy for us but these men were persecuted because of their beliefs.  I risk acceptance in some circles for my faith.  These men risked their lives.

Of these the standout for me is Nicholas of Myra.  He was a wealthy man who gave away his wealth to help the poor and sick in his town.  He loved them as Christ did.  He gave gifts to others.  Yesterday was Saint Nicholas Day.  We get much of what we do surrounding Santa Claus and Father Christmas from this man.

Hanging stockings or putting out shoes is a tradition related to Saint Nicholas even though we have moved the practice to Christmas Day.  The thing that I love is that the idea of giving is not just connected to Christ but to a wealthy man who chose to give all he had for the sake of those in need.

If Christmas is about giving and not getting then it is beautiful.  It grows each time we give out of love and grace.  The history of this man encourages me.  It motivates me to give more.  One can read more about him from the Saint Nicholas Center web page.  One of the ways I fight the greed that infects the season is by remembering how the gift giving started.

Gifts of the Magi and gifts from Nicholas are the root of the giving in my heart.  The gift of God of his Son moves me to give.  All of this is on my mind and I prepare to give good gifts to my family.  Focused on this it is very easy to avoid the avarice and stress of the shopping and preparing.    

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

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