Baby Jesus in a manger is rapidly becoming replaced by Santa in a slay. The real reason why Christmas time is celebrated and people have holidays is becoming hijacked by a Humanistic attitude.
Lets take a quick look into the differences of tradition (Santa or Jesus). It will explain why it is easier to celebrate a Santa Christmas (or Claus-mas!):
The story about Saint Nicholas has been hijacked, but Jesus' story is still accurate.
Santa lives in a wonderland, Jesus was born in a animal shed. Santa brings presents, we have to bring presents (our presence) to Jesus.
You can forget about Santa 11 months of the year, but you can't forget about Jesus.
Santa travels around the world in a slay, Jesus has to move town because people want to kill him. Santa has little elf's, Jesus has martyr's.
It becomes clear that a little baby with stinky nappies and incapable of providing His own food seems like an unusual reason to celebrate. But the real reason why Jesus came can be a more challenging reason to celebrate.
Jesus was God becoming man. The shining light in the world. He was going to be the true Sheppard who will care for and save humankind. And become the wisest man of all who has the ultimate gift. Kings were wanting to kill Him but He was to become the King over everything.
This is Good News to celebrate. But the road there is a tough one. Jesus took a humble, servant path. One where man and Satan seemed to have defeated Him through death. But Jesus' resurrection and the life He brings was the purpose from the beginning.
People everywhere in every generation have decided to make that tough decision to follow the One who travelled the hard path, that is when they understand the joy Jesus brings.
Santa judges who has been naughty or nice and crosses the naughty ones off his list, but Jesus offers forgiveness to the naughty ones.
Santa brings a quick, superficial and very easy message. One which is self-centered and could lead to greed. Jesus' message which requires us to submit, but then the true blessings may be seen. Celebrating Christmas is celebrating Christ-mas!
Danielle and Daniel Stott are Bible College graduates who live on the southern Gold Coast. Daniel is training to be a teacher and Danielle is caring for their baby daughter.
Danielle and Daniel's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/d-and-d-stott.html