Childhood’s Big Lie – Santa Claus

For centuries parents have been telling their children about Santa Claus. Although the idea of Santa Claus or St. Nick has been around since the 4th Century (280AD) based on an actual person who secretly gave gifts to the poor. By the 19th Century, St. Nick/Santa Claus had become a popular Christmas tradition and by the 20th Century (1901) Santa had become a household staple throughout the world. Santa had become a worldwide lie upheld by parents. Parents lied to their children for years, often causing anguish when they had to expose the truth, usually when the child turned 7 or 8. Moreover, parents would insist that the older children maintain the lie. At a time when parents are teaching their children not to tell stories, fibs, lies, whichever word is easier for you to digest, they were maintaining lies for years: Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny.
Ironically, your children can enjoy the myth of Santa without the lie, but then the most egregious part of that lie is that it is used to keep the children in line when the reverent fear and knowledge of God is what should keep us in line. The most egregious part of that lie is that Santa knows all, sees all, and is everywhere. Parents would tell their children if you want Santa to bring you toys on Christmas you must be good. There is even a song; you know it: “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.” (Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Haven Gillespie/John Coots). You better be on watch and not cry or pout because Santa Claus is coming to town. WHAT!!!! Santa is not God.

The world has given this fake legendary figure God like qualities. But Santa is not God, however parents tell their children to be good because Santa sees/knows all (omniscient), is everywhere at once (omnipresent), and is the most powerful of all the legendary figures (omnipotent). Now, as a myth that’s ok but passing this off as truth to children for 1-7 years is diabolical. How do you teach your children not to lie while lying to them? How do you teach your children about God and Jesus when you’ve given His characteristics to Santa and then expect them to believe the truth about God after they find out you’ve been lying to them all along about Santa.

Break the cycle of lying to your children about Christmas to have them behave. Instead tell them who Christmas is really about. Don’t spin a tale but have Christmas rooted in truth. God the Father, who is indeed all knowing, all seeing, present everywhere at once, and all powerful sent His Son in the form of a baby to save the world. He does see all, know all, and is all powerful. Psalm 139 says God knows our thoughts, words and actions and is everywhere we are. Jeremiah 1:5 says that before we were formed in the womb God knew us. Ephesians 1:19-20 says that His power is incomparable for those that believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. This power is far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and this understanding leads to obedience (Proverbs 9:10).

So while you can enjoy the commercial version of Christmas do not lie to your children, make sure they know the real reason for the season.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father forgive those who have maintained the lie of Santa for generations and liken him to You. Let us learn to speak truthfully in all things because the truth can stand on its own. As we celebrate the Christmas season help us to speak boldly about the true reason for the season, Your Son, the greatest gift ever. In the matchless name of Christ, Amen.
Sis. Patricia Towns