Don’t ‘Santa-tize’ Christmas; Celebrate the Savior

“Don’t ‘Santa-tize’ Christmas; Celebrate the Savior”
by Pastor Kent Munsey 
December 22, 2019

For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

• Luke 2:11, NASB

They say that every man goes through three stages in their life. First, they believe in Santa Claus. Then, they grow up and do not believe in Santa. Then, finally, they realize that they are Santa Claus.

Let us contrast Santa with our Savior. We should make certain that we are not “Santa-tizing” Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season, not Santa. The purpose of Christmas is celebrating God’s love for us. Moreover, the purpose is celebrating our Savior who came for all of us. Let’s not sanitize Christmas. Instead, we should celebrate the Savior who came. 

1. Santa’s presents for us are performance-based.

With Santa, you have to earn your presents. December can be a good time for parents because kids will be on their best behavior to get on Santa’s or their parents' good side.

Our Savior’s presence, however, is not performance-based. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Isaiah 64:6 even says, “and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Paul talks about how he considers his righteousness all a loss for the surpassing knowledge of knowing Christ. He considers it all dung. Our Savior is greater than Santa because our presents that we receive from him are not connected to our performance. 

There is no value in our righteousness because it is tainted by sin. Our reward is based on his grace, not our performance. Because God is rich in mercy we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). We are saved by grace through faith, and not works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Santa is all right, but we have a Savior who is Christ the Lord. His gifts of goodness, righteousness, and sanctity are better.

2. Santa’s presents are limited, but Jesus’ presence is unlimited.

Our Savior’s gifts are spiritual, material, and everlasting. Santa is limited to just one day, but Jesus is not. He has been giving since he was born-- Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord, for 2019 years. We don’t celebrate the birthdays of the dead but of the living. Jesus is alive and still giving. Every single day he delivers mercy, grace, and fullness of joy. He heals, forgives, and gives us purpose. 

3. Santa’s presents are what we want, but Jesus’ presence is what we need.

Sometimes when we get what we want, we wonder: Is this it? Our savior is a miracle worker and gives us what we need. Our God is faithful, and his grace is available now. We don’t have to wait; we’re already on the list! He gives us what we need every day. 

Let’s celebrate Jesus who is worthy. He is not under a tree, but he got on a tree for us. There’s no debt, no expenses, and it’s not burdensome. 

Some may say Christianity is a crutch. Well, it is. When someone needs a crutch or a wheelchair, we don’t question it because it is helpful. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but life-giving to those who are not (1 Corinthians 1:18). We can lean on the cross when we’re weak. The cross heals us and saves us. When we’re done leaning on it, we can carry the cross around as a constant reminder. We were lost but then found through the cross. Weak, weary, and broken, we can lean on him and give thanks.

Thank you, God, for showing up and giving us the gift of yourself. Your light fills us everywhere we go. Merry Christmas.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. Does it bother you that God’s love is unmerited, or are you celebrating that he has given you everything you need anyway?

2. What needs do you have that you would like God to fulfill this Christmas?

3. Take some time to reflect on Jesus coming to earth. You may write something, make a craft, or homemade card to celebrate his love for you and others.