Grace Notes: Applauding a Santa who tells the real truth about Christmas
Our grandnephew, Noah, 6, has a real thing about Santa. Last year he was thrilled when he and his mom had breakfast with Santa at the zoo in their hometown.
The photos tell the tale. The first shows Noah with a look of ecstasy on his face as he perches on Santa’s lap, explaining in careful detail exactly what he wants. The next shot shows the boy’s expression of joyous relief because he’s delivered his important message -- and Santa seems to have gotten the point.
Despite such wonderful moments, many Christian parents face a dilemma. Should they take the kids to see Santa at the mall and risk turning Christmas into a “buy me, get me” fest? Or should they ignore the secular Santa and disappoint the kids?
For many parents, Santa has become a symbol of greedy commercialism. He is all about elves, the North Pole, the reindeer -- and that big pile of gifts. There are plenty of toys overflowing from his sack, but no evidence of a Bible. In fact, Santa seems oblivious to the real message of Christmas -- and even seems to be vying with the Christ child for attention.
There is a way out, fortunately, and Noah’s parents have found it. This year, they located a Santa who sent the little fellow a personalized letter. In it, Santa revealed that he knows quite a bit about Noah’s life. He mentioned the boy’s dog, Buttercup, as well as his teacher at school.
But what really made my day was the heart of Santa’s letter: “Of course, Christmas Day is all about celebrating and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, so long ago. Jesus is very important for boys and girls -- He gives us hope and loves us very, very much! Keep Jesus in your heart forever!”
What a wonderful concept! Here’s a Santa who’s telling children about Jesus. Wouldn't it be ideal if all parents had an option like this at Christmas time?
I think many parents would be thrilled to take their kids to see a Santa who emphasizes the real truth about the season. After all, without Jesus, there would be no Christmas parties, no carols, no trees decked out with lights, no mountain of gifts -- and no Santa at all.
But the good news is that Christ did come into the world. And through him children receive a present that might not be on their list, but is still the most wondrous gift of all. You won’t find this gift under the tree, of course. You’ll find it in their hearts.
Lorraine’s latest book is “Death of a Liturgist,” a mystery set in Decatur. Her e-mail address is lorrainevmurray@yahoo.com
