Ho, Ho, Ho...
Some times I feel like some sort of weirdo. (Yes, I know what you are thinking, I am some kind of weirdo). I seem the opposite of my good friends...most of whom are pretty devoted to this thing we call being a disciple of Jesus. I feel like a weirdo because I often am not bothered by things that my friends are and they are not bothered by things that I am...for example...we don't do Santa Claus. Now, mind you we are not Grinches, and a three year old has a hard time with real anyway...she thinks Santa isn't real at our house, but he is coming to visit her friend Rory. So we aren't brainwashing or browbeating, we just don't want to lie to our children, "This man in a red suit comes down your chimney and gives you lots of gifts, oh and this man named Jesus died on the cross and rose again!" Though my spiritual development, I don't think, was not stunted because of my belief in Santa, we are in a different age. Truth is suspect to each persons personal opinion and current feeling. So to me belief in Santa as a still living person is not good for my childrens' spiritual formation. Am I going to lie to them until they are the age they realize Santa isn't real and they begin to understand who Jesus is...wow...what will that do to them? With all the "spiritual-ness" of our culture...where it's cool to take a little from here, a little from there, a pinch of this, and walah! my own faith! personalized to never make me uncomfortable or question my behaviour! Hum...sounds like the Israelites...a few earings, some wood, walah - a golden calf or a totem pole - to worship...
You are probably thinking that it's a stretch from belief in Santa to that, but the point is how worked up some other Christians get about things that have less in home impact...like homosexuality (better watch out, they might come and steal your kids and turn them into a fashion designer or they have been known to break into houses and - gasp - redecorate), or inerrancy, or Harry Potter, or Davinci Code...all these issues that are written about and talked about in Christian circles and the funny thing is, how many nonbelievers go into a Christian book store and shop?
Non Christian 1: "I just gotta pick up that Breaking the Davinci Code book."
Non Christian 2: "Oh, I hear they have that Truth About Potter one too!"
All of this preaching to the choir while we (Christians) stick our proverbial head in the sand of some real issues, like porn addicition amoung Chistian men or the divorce rate among Christian couples.
But we (Melissa and I) get a little ridicule for not letting our kids believe in Santa....they can believe in who Santa WAS...but the only person I know who lives forever and gives good gifts and sees us when we are naughty and nice is God the FATHER, SON, and SPIRIT.
I am not bashing those who do perpetuate the Claus thing, I just want to explain my weirdo-ness.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
rick & melissa wood
I just wanted to add to Rick's blog that we are NOT saying that those who do Santa are lying to their kids. We just don't want to confuse our kids...confuse is a better word. Anyway, we also love to tell our kids about Saint Nicholas. He was a great man who was spreading the love of Jesus Christ, like God did went He sent us His son.
Merry Christmas to all!
Melissa
9 Comments
Reader Comments (9)
I never thought of the whole santa thing as lying. (Mabe I'm reaching here) Since Santa really was a man that did exist I simply felt that I was pretending with my kids that such a man still exists. And that He must love Jesus so much that he wants to give to everyone on the day we celebrate the birth of christ.
I think you and Melissa are awsome, stay just the way you are. All that you do is a reflection of your love for God. I that God that he brought you and melissa to be part of our church family.
I like the idea of sharing this story with Aidan for 2 reasons.
1- It is a testimony to a life influenced by the generosity that God has shown us in Jesus.
2- It is along the same lines of generosity that Saint Aidan was known for when he would easily give up any riches he had to bless the poor.
Somehow, though, we'll need to help Aidan find the balance between American consumerism and Christian charity. Oh, the conundrum!
Even with all the sales and bargins at the stores, try to find a large Nativity Set for outside. Even the Base Chapel hasn't put one up yet.
Shalom Elohim
Regarding 'lying' to our children, really, Rick. Mel said it better by calling your sentiment 'confusion'. But, will your children not be confused when those around them, including my daughter Rory, long with anticipation the morning of Christmas and the special visitation from Santa while your doctrinally pure children are left out? Truth is no consolation to a child, Friend. Will they not one day wonder if Daddy wasn't a Jehovah's Witnesses instead of Christian? Will they not feel deprived later in life just as you now feel misled? Would Jesus take your stand on Santa? "No children, there is no such being as Santa Claus! Your parents are lying to you and ultimately placing you in a position to deny Me later in life!" Really, Ricky. I am sorry you had such a substandard Santa experience growing up. My desire is to have some positive family traditions, to encourage my children to exercise their imaginations so that they might one day have within them the capacity to meditate upon the Holy Word (biblical meditation), and to inspire them to give unselfishly in the name of the One who has given everything for us - Jesus. The spiritual formation of my children hinges on the lives and theology of their parents, not on their belief of disbelief of Claus.
Merry Christmas, you Grinch!
Ron
It's one thing if imagination is learned as just that: imagination...pretend, make believe, creative play. It's another when we try to make them think it is real.
I also know that in this day and age there seems to be more secularism ( is this a word?) in santa clause than christianity. However, that the world believes in Santa before they beleive in Christ is an opportunity for me and my children to introduce Jesus as the reason for Christmas.
Blessings to all
Happy Birthday Jesus
Love you guys & gals
I'm generally not one to join in on "flame" sessions (when a bunch of people rip into someone else) simply because I don't think that is what the internet and blogging was designed for. I think intelligent discussion is much more profitable.
That said, below is what I decded not to use as my comment:
"Wow, who knew that a figment of your imagination/ historical bishop/ baby in a manger/ issue of consience/ debatable matter could stir up so much self-righteous parading, infantile name calling, and Crusades-style judgement? You gotta love Christmas season.
Sounds like the Spirit of Jesus to me! Weeeee!"
But, I'm not going to use that as my comment. I'll simply say:
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."
Rick and Mel, be obedient to the God you serve. Mercy, justice and humility; these matter and these are what are required. Celebrate Jesus and raise your kids in the admonition and fear of the Lord. Nevermind the naysayers. If they don't want to help raise your children, but only criticize you for the choices you make, off with their heads, er I mean, bless them as they go. :)