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December 6, 2009
11:06 PM | 
Posted by
Randy Ross
‘Tis the season. Everywhere we look there are sales, trees, shoppers, parties and fat men in red suits. Does your kid sit on the fat guy’s lap? Yes, in most people’s mind, ‘tis the season for Santa Claus. Every year, I say something about Santa Claus. Usually, I illustrate some way that people are making a god out of Santa. This year, I am only going to look at one simple thought. The lie.
We know one family where the parents make it quite clear that the kids must “believe” if they are going to get any kind of gift. Is Santa Claus real? Of course not. So, if you are telling your kids he is real, and they must believe in him, what are you doing? You are lying to them. I know, many people think it is harmless. Is there a harmless lie? Is there some time when it is okay to break one of the ten commandments? No.
Pr 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Did you notice in that passage that one of the things the Lord hates, that are an abomination, is a “lying tongue.” That was not qualified. God hates it when we lie. Whether it is a little white lie or a giant whopper, a lie is a lie. Telling your kids they must believe is a lie.
Not only is it a lie to tell your kids they must believe in a man that does not exist, you are teaching them to lie. The family I mentioned has a seventeen year old son who tells you he believes. I have met the boy, he is fairly bright! Does he really believe in Santa Claus? No, but his parents have taught him that it is okay to lie about this. So, since he has been taught that it is okay to lie about believing in Santa Claus, why should we believe him when he says he believes in Christ?
The worst aspect of this is the lie perpetuated in some churches. When someone brings the lie of Santa Claus into their home, it is their decision. However, there are pastors out there who do not have the backbone to stand up to their congregation and remove this blight from their church. They allow Santa Claus in their churches. Some even make Santa Claus the centerpiece of their Christmas celebrations. This is simply perverse. I cannot imagine it being anymore than an abomination.
Christmas is not about Santa Claus. Those who make Santa their god and deceive little children into a false hope will stand before God with the blood of children on their hands. I cannot imagine being a pastor who participates in this lie and standing before God. Christmas is about the birth of Christ. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth and was born in the form of a man for one reason: to give us the gift of salvation. Because Jesus was willing to come and die on the cross, and pay the debt for our sins, we do not have to face the penalty of death and hell. We can accept the gift of salvation Jesus offers us.
Do you teach your children to believe a lie? More importantly, what do you believe? Jesus is ready and willing to come into your heart and save you. Will you ask HIM in to your heart today?
We know one family where the parents make it quite clear that the kids must “believe” if they are going to get any kind of gift. Is Santa Claus real? Of course not. So, if you are telling your kids he is real, and they must believe in him, what are you doing? You are lying to them. I know, many people think it is harmless. Is there a harmless lie? Is there some time when it is okay to break one of the ten commandments? No.
Pr 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Did you notice in that passage that one of the things the Lord hates, that are an abomination, is a “lying tongue.” That was not qualified. God hates it when we lie. Whether it is a little white lie or a giant whopper, a lie is a lie. Telling your kids they must believe is a lie.
Not only is it a lie to tell your kids they must believe in a man that does not exist, you are teaching them to lie. The family I mentioned has a seventeen year old son who tells you he believes. I have met the boy, he is fairly bright! Does he really believe in Santa Claus? No, but his parents have taught him that it is okay to lie about this. So, since he has been taught that it is okay to lie about believing in Santa Claus, why should we believe him when he says he believes in Christ?
The worst aspect of this is the lie perpetuated in some churches. When someone brings the lie of Santa Claus into their home, it is their decision. However, there are pastors out there who do not have the backbone to stand up to their congregation and remove this blight from their church. They allow Santa Claus in their churches. Some even make Santa Claus the centerpiece of their Christmas celebrations. This is simply perverse. I cannot imagine it being anymore than an abomination.
Christmas is not about Santa Claus. Those who make Santa their god and deceive little children into a false hope will stand before God with the blood of children on their hands. I cannot imagine being a pastor who participates in this lie and standing before God. Christmas is about the birth of Christ. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth and was born in the form of a man for one reason: to give us the gift of salvation. Because Jesus was willing to come and die on the cross, and pay the debt for our sins, we do not have to face the penalty of death and hell. We can accept the gift of salvation Jesus offers us.
Do you teach your children to believe a lie? More importantly, what do you believe? Jesus is ready and willing to come into your heart and save you. Will you ask HIM in to your heart today?
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1 comments:
Pam, I received your comment. With regard to the lie and idolatry involved in Santa Claus, I believe we are blameless. We do not lie to our children. We do not cause them to lie with a wink by saying "they believe," and we do not participate in a church where Santa Claus is promoted. In fact, the false god of Santa Claus is preached against at our church (as it should be in every church).
So, if there is something you would like to point out to me, please feel free to email me privately (rross@Teens-4-Christ.org)
Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Mt 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
This is the Biblical way of doing things. We should not hash out various perceived offenses publicly. To bash people in this way would be the sin of gossip and would only damage the cause of Christ
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