Children Need a Savior Not Santa
By Ana Blackwell
As this holiday drew near, I found myself questioning the often-used phrase “the magic of Christmas”. I wonder when a man in a red suit who brings presents once a year, took center stage. Meanwhile, the word Christ is in the name of the holiday, and not only that, but the birth and life of Jesus far outshine the so-called magic of the mythical Santa. I am most bothered by the fact that church goers end up presenting the idea of the North Pole, flying reindeer who pull a slay with presents, and cookies for Santa to their children as the main focus while the incredible and supernatural birth of our Savior fades into the background.
You want your kids to believe in something special, wonderous, and glorious in order to foster their imagination and sense of hope? How about making Jesus, the Son of God who came to our fallen world, the undeniable reason for the season. Jesus doesn’t come only once a year, He came to rescue every boy and girl from the chains of darkness. He is the light of the World. He doesn’t sneak into our homes once a year to leave a present. He knocks at the front door so He can be invited inside. He brings peace, righteousness, and joy.
Matthew and Luke go into different details about the events prior to the Lord’s coming, as well as his birth. You can’t go more than five verses before angels are mentioned. Angels who communicate with humans! That is incredible, teach kids about these messengers of God who helped usher in the arrival of the Messiah. Why should Santa’s helpers be more exciting than these supernatural creatures of God in your child’s mind.
Angels showed up to Mary to inform her that she will give birth to the Son of God even though she was a virgin. These messengers also showed up when Joseph wanted to leave Mary because He was unsure of her faithfulness. In his defense, I would also need an angel to come convince me of the purity and incredible circumstance at hand. Further, a host of these heavenly beings showed up to men in the fields to announce the birth of Jesus. Even after the Son of God was born, angels came to Joseph to warn him in order that the child’s life would not be harmed.
God’s glory, love, and grace is seen in every message sent through His angels. The Father was also excited to announce the arrival of His son. He wanted to let those nearby know that finally, the hero had come. God also announced to other nations of His son’s birth. Let’s talk about the magi. These guys used the heavens as their scrolls and the stars as letters in order to read the future. They noticed the sign that proclaimed the coming of a King. What kind of foreigners would take around two years to research and locate this king in order to bring Him presents. It sounds bizarre, and yet it happened. Maybe if children understood where the idea of presents originally came from, they would be more thankful. Even if they don’t get the newest model of a bike, or a PS5.
Don’t get me wrong, I like giving presents on Christmas to family and friends. I just don’t make it the main focus, nor do I go into debt just to compete with the extravagance of other’s gifts. Ultimately, giving is a good way to approach the subject. I never want my kids to only learn to receive. At the same time, I also want them to see what giving looks like. And when the time comes, I want them to not only give to others around them, but more importantly, ask themselves what they are willing to give to Jesus.
Children may not have the bank accounts of their parents in order to buy presents, but they have their time, talents, and voices. Is there anything more “magical” than our children learning to be tenderhearted and give?
I hope that reading this short article has reminded you of the greatness of the Christmas story. It is supernatural and kids need to hear of it all. The angels, dangers, magi, and presents to encourage their God given imagination. Most of all, these little humans need to know that Jesus came to save them and to be there for them every day. Children live in a world full of sorrows, even though they don’t always have words for their hard experiences. They are aware they need a friend like Jesus to help them along the way. How much better is a Savior than a santa who only comes once a year to give them a toy which they grow tired of.
Teach your children about Jesus who came to dwell among us, who came to save and heal those in need. Our little ones need a supernatural friend like Him. Someone who they will learn to lean on and worship when they understand the majesty of the King who reigns forevermore.
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
