Hijacked Christmas

Photo by kevindooley

Go Google the internet for "Father Christmas", and you don't have to hard guess, because it will sure list things about Santa Claus. Go check out the Christmas decorations in Shopping Centres, Malls, or at many houses, then it's almost certainly Santa is around.
Most everything about Christmas has long been referred to Santa Claus. Ask the children, and I'm sure many of them will think first of that old white-bearded man with red outfit, than of the One who actually has the Christmas Day.

That's pretty sad. Some people may say that telling the children not to believe in Santa Claus is like taking away the joy of Christmas from them, but for Christian letting the children believing in fallacy about Christmas it's like letting them to have weak foundation of Faith. After all what makes Santa that special that you don't mind to lie to children?

Does Santa Claus really teach us or children about love, giving or kindness?
I wouldn't mind if people say that, but I really mind when people idolise Santa Clause in Christmas time and make it as an occasion to teach children to behave well so Santa will grant them with gifts.

Why not teach children about the Love of God instead?
Christmas is the celebration of giving. God gave His only Son, Jesus to the world to save human. At least three wise men -the Magi- gave their best gift to welcome Baby Jesus, their long journey I think also showed their love to Him.

Therefore, teaching the children about Love is the right way rather than to let them to believe in something that is groundless. Instead using Santa Clause as an intermediary, it's better to give the present directly to those you love, and say something like "I give you present because God love us very much and long ago He gave the most wonderful present to us through Jesus, and because of that we can celebrate Christmas. So this present is also because I love you."

Or you can say anything else, just don't let them be chained in a false belief.
After all Christmas is about Christ' birthday, it's His big day, though it's not really on 25 Dec but Christmas Day 25 Dec was and is meant for Christ Jesus.
How do you feel when your Birthday event is hijacked by someone else?

I hope those who still idolise Santa Clause on Christmas Day can realise this.
Christ gave His life to us, but Santa Clause can only provide 'bought' gifts :-P
Stop saying that Father Christmas is him, because it's God.
Jesus is our Friend, our Shepherd, our God and our Father.

Happy Birthday Jesus...and Merry Christmas to you who read this :))
and don't just say "Happy Holidays."
May the Christmas spirit stay with us forever and guide us to always follow Jesus.

Photo by We Are CS