What Should I Tell My Kids About Santa?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1288
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@dannyboyz7061]

We were at the vet recently, and she asked our kids "So are you all ready for Santa to come?" My seven year old said, "Nah, he isn't real", and my five year old said, "He takes away from Jesus". LOL... hilarious, and proud moment for me :)

[@eighthoneknows8273]

I hope Jesus was glorified in your moment of pride ! Im sure the vet was eager to know more about God from this encounter , right ?

[@raghdalolabi1838]

Love it!!

[@PrinceJes]

You should not be proud.

[@EthanDyTioco]

Massa whoa whoa, what’s wrong with being happy during a moment of God being glorified?

[@PrinceJes]

@@EthanDyTioco Oh so now it's happy? Happy or proud? bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Do-Not-Be-Proud

[@samnelson6509]

I never got upset finding out that Santa wasn't real but ever since I got saved I always felt it's wasn't right to be telling your children that Santa Claus is real

[@Jacki_Morris]

I was a mom wanting to hold on to traditions. My husband lovingly urged me and kept telling me what was wrong with Santa and what was right with Christmas being all about Christ! Praise Jesus He gave me a godly man to raise up our house in the Lord. So thankful my husband kept his ground on this issue and was urgent with me

[@springrain1694]

Hallelujah!

[@hotwax9376]

Thank you Lord!

[@reaneeb4356]

Thank God and Praise Jesus!

[@buckleupbuttercup3038]

I told my kids the truth and they are 3,5and 8 I'm not going to lie . MY husband didn't want me to tell them but I chose to not corrupt my children !

[@joham]

Well done.

[@Hannah-nc7cb]

Buckle up Buttercup well done 👑

[@jefferylord3068]

good mom!!!!

[@tiffanyweber3028]

Same here!!

[@reaneeb4356]

Good for you!

[@mustangNJD]

My parents did the whole Santa thing when I was growing up, and it was a lot of fun! I remember watching movies about Santa and listening for his reindeer on the roof. It really made Christmas a magical time. But now, looking back, I realize how much more Christ could have been glorified in my family. I was always thanking Santa for gifts. I think a better approach is instead of saying Santa brought these gifts, tell your kids that the reason they get undeserved gifts is because Jesus was an undeserved gift, and it is a time to rejoice. Overall I think the myth of Santa is somewhat harmless and fun, but it certainly takes away from the glorification of Christ which is a very good reason for it to be abandoned.

[@lyssadaqvxxn]

no it’s not harmless because it’s a lie. when people lie to their kids about this mythical not to mention MAGICAL person, only for the kid to realize eventually that it was a LIE… is that not teaching the child lying is ok? among other corrupt things. now if you don’t already know, i’d urge you to look up what the bible says about liars and about witchcraft/magic.

[@tiffanyweber3028]

My family gave me the hardest time in deciding to keep in 💯 with our daughter. I wanted her to know the truth. Growing up and finding out Santa wasn’t real upsetting me so much. As a parent today, really what joy his there to see your children truly believe in something that isn’t true? How is this a good thing? It troubled me and I didn’t want to do that to our daughter. I wanted her to know truth. My family thinks I’m overthinking it and saying I’m the bad one. It’s really sad when we see how deceiving it all is. Many churches mixing Santa with Christ will cause a lot of issues. When these children grow up and find out Santa isn’t real, do we not think they will then question God’s existence

[@savannahrhodes7259]

My parents never taught us about Santa and I don't feel like I missed out. Christmases growing up were filled with wonderful memories. I remember as a kid I believed everything adults told me. I trusted adults and lies really hurt. I grew up with domestic violence in the home and I had an aunt that told my little sister and me to stop fighting because every time we fought my parents would fight. I wholeheartedly believed her and tried my hardest to never fight with my sisters so that there would be peace in our home. Then, one day my parents started fighting even though my sister and I hadn't been fighting and I figured out she had lied. Kids trust us to be truthful with them. They hold the adults in their lives up on a pedestal and hang on every word they say. Be careful what you teach these innocent little ones.

[@krystinadeeds8387]

My “church” thinks the same thing as your family, that it’s wrong to care about the blasphemy of Santa. Thank you for your comment, 3 years later it is still encouraging🤍🫶🏼

[@karishort7561]

Santa Claus isn't real. He steals God's glory and is a lie! I wish my parents had told me the truth. I was thanking Santa for presents, and to me, that's just really messed up.

[@godistruth3411]

Agreed. Lying to your children should never be accepted as normal. Peace be with you God bless

[@letsprayandfasttogether9618]

This is what I keep saying. Your not just lying to your kids your making your kids worship another God.

[@karishort7561]

@@letsprayandfasttogether9618 it's pure evil I tell you, invented by a demon to distract all people from our true Lord and Savior. Only the devil himself could have concocted this overglorified, non-existent figure, Santa Claus. Parents need to do away with this practice immediately!

[@karishort7561]

@@godistruth3411 Children need to know the real reason we as Christians, celebrate this season. All glory goes to God, always. May God bless you and keep you always 🙏💓🙏

[@crashman27]

Kinda like how christians stole christmas??

[@Xiosoranox]

Another thing a lot of parents don’t realize about this is that you’re setting the kids up for conversion later. If you’re selling Santa to them, they’re going to later wonder whats wrong with believing in other religions. I might sound paranoid but it’s amazing how many atheists I meet who compare the Bible and Christianity to “the myth of Santa Claus”.

[@NewFire25]

Heres a fun one for those of you who think your Santa believing kid is well adjusted: Ask them if they love Santa or Jesus more. Then ask them why ;-)

[@Jade.Mcdowell]

Wow that’s a great point

[@sarahs3988]

I do think you have a great point, but my kids when they believed in santa would have said Jesus. Because the emphasis was almost entirely on Him and very small on santa. So even children who believe in Santa can love Jesus far more. I do not think we should teach kids about santa, and if I could go back I wouldn't have done it the same way. My young children do not believe and it has taken away nothing from them.

[@davelyn786]

I guess the answer would be that they love Santa more because Of the presents. But what about when they know Santa is not real and the presents still come? Then ask them why the love Christmas. Is it because they love Jesus or because they love presents?

[@lighteninggazelle816]

I fell away from Christ as an adolescent until age 25 and I kid you not, the very first step was when I found out Santa Claus was not real. In my eyes my parents were just as convincing about Santa as God and I figured if one was made up to make me "good" and because it was "fun" then so was the other.

[@springrain1694]

Indeed.. Why I decided not to tell my child santa was real and then gave up celebrating Christmas period after learning the truth of its satanic roots. Side note.. I wanna appologize upfront as Im sure you'll now get a ton of notifications trying to tell me Im wrong or a pharisee.. Js peace and many blessings to you and yours dear one..

[@lighteninggazelle816]

No worries I have debated the same thing! Ultimately I will follow what my husband chooses and he wants to follow Christmas traditions. I am compliant if the focus is Christ.

[@louisasmiles]

@@springrain1694 your poor kids.

[@springrain1694]

@@louisasmiles 😂😃

[@76monikaW]

Lightning Gazelle That’s actually my logic when teaching my son that Santa is fake. I feel like let’s not go down this road of being a liar.

[@EricSmyth4Christ]

Finally the important questions

[@christisking1576]

Just tell them the truth. Christians believe that the truth of reality is explained in the bible and that none of it is myth. The kids will still be getting their gifts, which is all they really care about anyway.

[@myhappyspace4533]

Amen amen. Love his answer

[@LeonardoRuizOberle]

Awesome! Thanks pastor John...

[@bryanquintana1875]

Wow! Thank you Pastor John Piper, you really brought great points to the table and opened many of our eyes to what is going on in this World!

[@cintiahamilton]

I am very proud of pastor John. Good answer

[@mariianar9510]

Totally agree.. I think that santa claus is like an antichrist figure.. I mean he is given all of this god like features.. not good! Lets use this time of the year to show our love to others as it is commanded and share with them the love and truth of Jesus

[@krystinadeeds8387]

Thank you so much for sharing and standing for the truth! Currently being mocked by my church for being upset that a Sunday school teacher told my daughter Santa is real. The way the church defended Santa and belittled the issue was what really made me mad.

[@Falcon-um7vo]

When you say "the church" are you referring simply to some other people in your church with whom you shared your concerns or the actual leaders/elders of your church? If the latter, I'd probably start looking for another church where truth is honored.

[@timothyriley3444]

But refuse profane and Old Wives Fables, and exercise thyself rather Unto Godliness. 1Timothy 4:7 KJV Bible !!! God bless !!!

[@hesuchia]

My parents always told truth to me, including about Santa, and I'm very grateful, that certainly would ruin trust in them and maybe even my faith

[@glacia15]

Hello everyone, I have been pondering this and here is my thought about santa. Santa can be used as a way to explain to children the gift of Jesus. Santa brings presents and happiness to children, God has also given us a gift, Jesus who gives us more happiness than shiniest wrapped presents. Santa represents the generosity and giving nature of God. However Santa is a parable character, and pretend whereas God is not.

[@troybear01]

The whole old idea about Christmas is pagan. Jeremiah 10 says not to bring the fur tree in the home and decorate with gold and silver. God says he doesn't want to be worshipped in the way the heathens do. I hope the has blessed you. God bless you all.

[@RichellePinsonBuddy]

Wow I never read that before in the Bible! I just now read it and I understand that the Christmas tree is an idol and though I have thought that it was an idol before reading this but wow that is crazy! I still will give presents to my children because Jesus said its better to give than to receive and to be able to give gifts to my children is such a blessing and it's a good idea to teach your kids to give as well

[@TabithaDavis]

We haven't put up a Christmas tree in years. Had someone build us a cross and we use that instead.

[@troybear01]

@@TabithaDavis but wouldn't that be idle worship? I don't mean to offend but, the Father did say not to worship things made by man's hands of wood or stone. I'm just trying to be as biblical as possible. I mean no disrespect. I hope I'm spreading the Fathers message. God bless.

[@TabithaDavis]

@@troybear01 I do understand your perspective and I have wondered that myself. We don't have any figurines of Jesus, we got rid of all of them. I feel like it's a visual reminder though of what Christ did for us and to keep Him the center.

[@troybear01]

@@TabithaDavis 😀 God bless

[@ambermiller2765]

I personally don't mix pagan ideals with the worship of Jesus, however it is so refreshing to see people who do celebrate Christmas, not telling their children about Santa! I love that! I aspire to celebrate the birth of Jesus daily, but I do not in any way condemn anyone for celebrating Christmas. It just feels wrong to me personally, with the tree and such. Family time and modest gift giving is enjoyable though.

[@pastorlandon]

Oh man this comment section will be hilarious.

[@louisasmiles]

Hello Pastor.

[@PandaCheeks]

So instead of helping people understand you laugh at them...Nice!

[@OmegasMusic]

Uhh, tell them he's a fictional character...

[@cosminbryant1243]

BadSocialWorker 231 Jesus is real a real god

[@cathy7382]

Santa is based on St Nicholas who freely gave to the poor, and threw bags of money down chimneys for children But I don't think you should tell your kids that Santa is real, it seems to me that Santa eclipses Jesus who is the reason for the season Amen!

[@Mystblueangel]

I was a single parent working my ass off. No way one- is lie to my kids& two: it’s a creepy story.

[@AdamPaul2222]

I remembered I cried so bad when I found out...

[@daviddavenport9350]

What do you tell those of us that were raised in a church that celebrated ST Nicholas Day (Dec 6th, beginning of Advent)....and his holiness and goodness....and yes, even as childred we knew the difference between St Nicholas and the magical Santa...and loved them both......

[@Blake4Truth]

Nothing to tell. The true Saint Nicholas is history worth knowing. He gave gifts to orphans. Doing that is good.

[@dj_1969]

Good answers. Always tell the truth and don’t lie about some false legalistic deity made up to try and steal the attention from Jesus . Jesus is the best news EVER and from my experience , kids love to hear about Him and they don’t like being lied to any more than we do !

[@Ben-fq1lj]

I don’t 100% think it’s wrong to tell your kids about Santa, cause other wise why stop there? Why celebrate giving presents 🎁 ? How much more will presents not also be an idolatry and competing thing with Christ? I would dare say presents/receiving earthly possessions are easily more likely to grab your kids hearts than Santa. I think my parents did a good job of handling it (not perfectly, but good for the most part). They always made sure Jesus was over emphasized more than Santa. Santa was always just a side thing. I would say I wish my parents put a little more time in engaging us with the gospel on Christmas in terms of the amount of time (though it is hard to engage/teach a young child for a long period of time). I think I will definitely with my children should I choose to talk about Santa, make sure he’s just a side thing and always overemphasize Jesus and the gospel over presents.

[@Gospelogian]

I am a parent and a pastor and also deal with this topic on my channel.

[@MrLucys2601]

Following Christ comes also with having fear of the Lord, fear of not wanting to offend him. Why as a parent would I want to replace to greatest truth of our Lord and savior with a lie?

[@malayaanderson8222]

People can do it however they want in their home. In ours Father Christmas is real, and he brings them all the gifts. I believed until I was about 9, had no issues personally. Also, not everyone is religious, so for us it’s a non issue.

[@Falcon-um7vo]

Well, this video is from a biblical perspective, not a secular one. But that doesn't change the fact that you're lying to your kids. You don't have to be religious to know the definition of the word "lie".

[@d0g_0f_Christ0s]

One night when I was about 5 or 6 it was stinking hot I couldn't sleep, I thought I heard Santa's bells so I pretended to be asleep. I heard the rustling of paper and saw my mother walking back to bed, and that was that. Btw, I opted for no santa to my kids, I kept my parents on the hook for 5 years so I could get extra presents, to which I felt guilty when I told mum I didn't believe anymore. Why do we lie in the first place, is the nativity not fun enough? Speaking of nativity; I recently realised the 3 wise men were not at the manger. I've read the scripture 100's of times and yet because of tradition was blinded from truth, I wonder what other truths are thwarted by my ignorant traditions?

[@Descriptor_]

What do you or children have to gain by making Christmas about anything other than the coming of the promised Messiah?

[@DereckKivisi]

How do you tell your kids Christmas has pagan beginnings?

[@danielnosuke]

Why tell your kids something not historical like that?

[@maddoxtroy683]

I just tell my kids the truth.

[@rosamoreno9132]

My mom told us Santa was real but we would watch her set the presents under the tree 3 weeks before Christmas so.. I don’t know who my mom was trying to fool! Lol

[@reaneeb4356]

LOL! 😂😂😂

[@Necr0Kat]

Same

[@claudiusmaximus4088]

I hate lying to my kid brother about santa claus and the easter bunny. My parents hide eggs and easter baskets for both of us and do the santa thing for both of us. I've done this for years with my little bro (I'm 20 now) and I tried to "believe" in the figures to the extent of it not being bad to pretend (though it's not really pretend when you're convincing kids that these figures are real). It's just made me feel so guilty. My Mom gets angry when I even bring up that I don't want to participate anymore and ask my parents not to make me participate in egg hunts nor put presents under the tree for me. I told her I wasn't going to just outright tell my brother they aren't real and that I don't want to "ruin" anything for my little brother. He's bound to find out one day anyway (he's 11 now, so likely very soon if he's not overdue already) and Lord knows if he'll take it lightly or be greatly hurt by it. I don't want to be the person he's mad at if he is, let's just say that. Mom says "sorry for ruining your life over Christmas" and "Great, you get to have Santa ALL these years and your brother doesn't get to as long as you." She's a bit of a guilt-tripper to say the least. Any advice? Prayers would also be greatly appreciated.

[@stephanieyeshuaislife7236]

Blessings to you, and I very much respect your desire to have integrity, and not participate in what is essentially a lie. I don't want to be presumptuous, but to me it seems that Jesus would be proud of you. As far as advice is concerned, regarding your mother, if you can just respectfully "opt out", it seems that would be good. You might say that your intention is not to deprive your brother of anything, or "make waves" with her. (Also, I wonder if she has thought that she could still hide eggs without claiming that the Easter bunny left them?)

[@claudiusmaximus4088]

@@stephanieyeshuaislife7236 Thank you so much for replying I really appreciate it. The problem is that I have 4 parental figures in the house (my mom, dad, step-dad and Uncle) and none of them are on my side. I mean, my step dad understood I didn't want to participate, but it's not really his place to get involved, so I don't really have help from him. To think I had to contact my agnostic older cousin for advice (all of my parent figures are christian). I hadn't thought of suggesting us telling my brother the truth and then still do the tradition afterwards if wanted. I tried explaining to my Uncle, he's the most relaxed of everyone, that pretending doesn't bother me, it's the fact that lying to my brother isn't pretending. I don't think he understands. It's scary for me because this is the first time I'm going against my whole family on an issue. But I care more about Jesus than my family, at least I try to, and I feel He was trying to tell me that it's wrong and I should do something about it. Mom would hate hearing that I'm sure. My grandma passed (mom's mom) back in 2019 and Mom's been missing her alot. Grandma had a great relationship with God, but she also said she believed in Santa (not sure if she was serious or was just going along with tradition). If I were to say that I felt God was telling me not to, Mom would take it personally and would probably be offended, and somehow I would be insulting grandma to her or something... God it's scary... and Mom also claims she believes in Santa too despite being wide awake last Christmas Eve night and saying "oh Santa was here you just missed him." Like it's a way for her to avoid being responsible for lying. Like she never says Santa is real but she does say "he only comes if you believe" like that's somehow not lying to her. It's word twisting and deceitful. And I don't know whether to believe her if she actually believes in Santa or not. It also doesn't help that I'm a sensitive person, so mustering the courage to actually speak about it again has been very difficult and stressful. Currently I'm planning on trying again in March. I'm going to talk to Uncle first and then ask him to be with me when I talk to Mom. I'll suggest telling my brother the truth and perhaps continue tradition after or to just, please for the love of God, don't force me to participate because that's wrong. Looking back on what I wrote it seems like I'm painting my Mom as a villain. Mom isn't a terrible person and she's really sweet and caring towards others. I love her very much, but she has flaws. I don't hate her I guess I'm just venting because this is stuff I feel I can't talk to her about. Anyways thank you again and God bless you for responding. I'm going to try to convince her that none of this is out of spite or ill intention when I try again. And if she considers the truth and brings up how my brother will be devastated, well, he never should have been lied to in the first place.

[@troywright359]

@@claudiusmaximus4088 sounds like a difficult decision to have to come to terms with, how are you now?

[@claudiusmaximus4088]

@@troywright359 as of right now I'm not sure of what to do. Back in March I ended up talking to my Dad who seemed to be the most understanding despite not saying anything before. He doesn't like the tradition either, but he feels we're kind of stuck in it. But he did tell me my brother was my mother's son and not mine, and that it was her choice to lie to him, which did make me feel a bit less responsible because honestly I'm kind of forced to do it at this point. But in a way I still feel it's kind of my fault for being foolish. I hadn't "stopped believing" in Santa until I was 18. I guess I always knew the signs since I was younger, but I was just in a denial phase because I wanted Santa to be real so I made up stuff like "he was an angel" or "he was a ghost and the reindeer and elf stuff were the parts that weren't true." And I also didn't want to believe that my parents lied to me. Maybe Mom doesn't understand that and is mad cuz she thought I was truly pretending with her this whole time, but she also seems to love the tradition. I feel if I just said I didn't believe when I was younger like 13 or so, maybe my brother wouldn't be in this mess now. At this point I've been talking to God and asking him to help me out a bit. My Step Dad screwed up last Christmas and wrapped up a gift for my brother "from santa" that my brother knew his Dad was supposed to get him. So he had to lie and say he was sure it wasn't from him, and my brother was pretty upset about it. My brother is a smart kid, so maybe he's going through a denial phase like I did now. Maybe it's a cowardly thing to do, but I just don't think mom is going to listen to me. So I'm praying my brother figures it out either through another mistake or his peers bringing it up to him. Outside forces my Mom doesn't have control over.

[@claudiusmaximus4088]

@@troywright359 I begrudgingly participated in the egg hunt too earlier this year and thinking of it being mom's fault and not mine helped me get through it. But I also thought of Valentine's day. My mom has us go into a room and then has a little note hunt in the house, telling us to go room to room by riddles. My brother and I always have a great time shoving our way past each other to get the notes, and it involves no lying. Halloween is my favorite time of year, we just had a fantastic Halloween, and it's all about pretending. And we're sure to tell any kids visiting our house who are scared that it's not real and it's all for fun. Another holiday that involves no lying. If Easter egg hunting and Santa whatever were pretend too, it wouldn't matter. I just don't think Mom gets that though.

[@foolishdrunk2181]

Just tell them a strange old man who is interested in kids might break into the house so they should lock their doors 🎃

[@hotwax9376]

Uh-huh. Santa is actually pretty creepy if you think about it.

[@coltonmorrison4616]

@@hotwax9376 Exactly!!! Santa Claus is just The enemy’s version of Christ, because it says in the Bible, keep watch for you don’t know the hour, nor The time for Christ’s return. Santa Claus is just a blind faith, trying to make kids behave properly, and adults alike who hold onto the myth of Santa Claus. Even when I was a kid, I critically thought about it, and it doesn’t make much sense.

[@hotwax9376]

@@coltonmorrison4616 The idea behind Santa Claus at first wasn't bad, but it's morphed into something blatantly anti-Christian. Just think about how many qualities Santa shares with God: 1) He is all-seeing and all-knowing. 2) He punishes bad behavior and rewards good behavior. 3) You are told to believe in his existence without conclusive proof. 4) He loves you. There are many more examples I could give, but these are the most obvious. The difference is that Santa isn't real, but God is very real. Like I said, Santa's whole schtick is that you only get Christmas presents for good behavior. That's a works-based system. Jesus gave Himself to us because we COULDN'T earn it ourselves. The devil has turned Santa into a counterfeit god and used him to take Christ out of Christmas and replace Him with the same works-based system of salvation that the rest of the world follows. The real St. Nicholas would be deeply offended by what our culture has made him into, much as Mary would be deeply offended by what Catholicism has made her out to be. If either one was here now, they would say to get rid of those things and get back to Jesus. If you want to tell your kids about Santa, make sure they know right off the bat that he's a fictional character, because lying is still a sin even when it's culturally acceptable to do so. (I still remember how relieved I was when I figured out Santa wasn't real.) And most of all, make sure they know that Christmas is first and foremost about Jesus.

[@coltonmorrison4616]

@@hotwax9376 I totally agree with you, the devil definitely has removed Christ as the centre of Christmas.

[@strawberriesblueberries2258]

I would tell my children that God is real and Santa is just a fun character.

[@krakensov8424]

Hey, People. In our country (Slovakia) is baby Jesus the one, who brings gifts. What do you think about that? I mean, the only problem I have is, that at the age of 6-8, when they find out, what is the reality, they start to talk about Jesus as about Santa (In meaning "I dont believe in baby Jesus anymore"

[@candacericker662]

Jesus is the gift. God put on flesh and came to Earth as a baby. He lived and experienced the same things we do (temptation, pain, happiness, sadness etc) but he never once sinned. He died on a cross and 3 days after his death he resurrected from the dead and he is a living Savior!

[@krakensov8424]

Ricker Household I know man, I can tell you, that I am saved, worry not :) I am just talking about our tradition :D we dont have Santa, but baby Jesus

[@jenifercanter6992]

Sounds like baby Jesus has become an idol too.

[@krakensov8424]

@@jenifercanter6992 Unfortunately He did. It has a nice thought behind it (that Jesus gave us the biggest present in history) but overall, most of the people dont even realize the meaning of that and they just think its bcs of His "birthday"

[@EricSmyth4Christ]

Santa reminds me of religion where it often misses the point completely

[@soitgoes290]

lol yeah presents for thy works

[@danielnosuke]

He mentioned Narnia. Easy. Show your kids like Lewis did how all of creation and nature and any fictional Anglo or Teutonic mythic figures along the way like elves and dwarfs and Merlin and Father Christmas bow to Jesus.

[@troywright359]

that's actually very good, I'm surprised he didn't mention that

[@elizaleski9618]

What about both? That’s scary. I asked my mom if Santa knew Jesus. She looked away and said ...... yeah

[@jamesdean1989]

Where in the Bible do you guys get this 'Christ-shaped' hole for our kids? This suggests a 'victim' sort of position doesn't it, instead of the Roman's 2 :5 picture of stubborn and rebellion and enemy of God. In the past I have heard that and it's a confusing statement. Where do you get it?

[@andrewkennedy4886]

Work Santa up a bit and what do you get? “Satan”!

[@ericaschroeder3732]

Tell your kids Santa is made up by our culture to distract them from Jesus. My kids completely understood this and are passionate about fighting for the what we are celebrating. We watch Santa cartoons on occasion etc but it’s no different than watching Umizoomi or Paw Patrol.

[@joelnenadovich8141]

Respect.

[@followerofjesus9475]

That he isn’t real. I tell kids in the internet all the time.

[@clararamirez8195]

Follower of God with all due respect, I have no ill intentions, but who is the man in your profile? Aren't you following a lie too? No one knows what Jesus looked like.

[@julienielsen3746]

Nothing wrong with having a tree. God created trees. I'm not worshipping trees. I'm worshipping Jesus.

[@macumus]

Someone said one time that santa is just satan rearranged, but really he is the Easter bunny of Christmas.

[@alvm615]

Krampus. Bwahahaha.

[@stevenwebb6253]

Should Christmas be celebrated? What does the Bible say? Remember 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight….. Christmas tree?? Jeremiah 10:1-5 says do not learn the way of the nations….for the customs of the people are a delusion……it is a tree of the forest that is cut down……they adorn it silver and gold….and fasten it with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. What about the star of Bethlehem that is normally placed on top of the Christmas tree? This ‘miraculous’ star first led the astrologers to King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. After Herod, the star immediately led the astrologers straight to Jesus. After Jesus, they started back to Herod, but one of God’s angels told them to go a different way. Matthew 2:1-12 What about Santa? Are we telling false stories? 2 Timothy 4:4 1Timothy 4:7 2 Peter 1:16 1 Timothy 1:4 What about birthdays? Ecc 7:1 says that your day of death is better than your day of birth. Did you know that there are 2 places in the Bible where someone was celebrating a birthday? Phar’aoh celebrated his birthday. Was he a worshipper of God? Genesis 40:20 Herod celebrated his birthday. Was he a worshipper of God? Matthew 14:6 In both of these accounts, someone died, one of them being John the Baptist, Jesus’ own cousin. Please remember 2 Timothy 3:16.

[@KevinNordstrom]

St. Nicholas was a real person (also who was a Christian) who went along at night to secretly give kids and orphans presents. Just without flying reindeer and the north pole. Thank you Veggie Tales. Some of y'all need to stop being so uptight. The birth of Jesus IS the reason for the season, but there is nothing wrong with each parent going on their OWN convictions and having a little fun and tradition with their kids about Santa. I have two daughters who love the Lord, and who also gets excited about the one gift we let them have each Christmas from "santa" while the rest are from us parents. We watch Christmas Christian movies and Christmas Santa movies during the holidays...even have Santa stocking stuffers for the wife and I lol. We pray, give thanks, celebrate the birth of our savior , read together, break bread together and yes........smile and still carry the magic of santa. Because St. Nicolas was a real person. Jesus is the reason. Santa isn't above Him or doesn't replace Him.

[@troywright359]

I think as long as Santa is presented upfront in the same manner as other stories, and Jesus is welcomed as real, historical and current, then maybe? I wouldn't say don't let any kids partake in fiction, - the danger is that it is presented as 'real' and yes, you;d be very surprised how many people get rocked on their faith in college when atheists quote "Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Jesus. Some people grow out of all three." I'm not saying you have to do anything I say, I'm just saying it requires careful handling to live in this world and partake in traditions.

[@EricSmyth4Christ]

"so what else are you guys lying to me about"

[@larry1824]

Season the milk with tequila

[@thehouseofacaprentersson4961]

Ive been chastized like you woudn't believe for not teaching my kids about santa. I've been accused of robbing my kids of the joy of Christmans, destroying their imagination, and asked if I even belive in Jesus (becaus I dont't teach santa along with Jesus). These accutsations of basic chidl abuse have come every one from christians. Christmas is the only time of year when I can turn on a christian raido station and hear song after song that areot about Christ. It's quite ironic.

[@robwilkinson8497]

oh come off it...whats wrong with a bit of magic for the children? it never hurt me...was more bothered, when growing up, with the apparent lack of substance with the whole church thing and all the bitching between adults. I would have a problem if the Nativity was omitted, of course, becuase a tiny little seed might get planted in little hearts. God is big enough to look out for Himself and will steer children/people towards the Truth, when they are ready to hear it.

[@troywright359]

well.....it's like kids doing halloween. "come off it, it's a bit of fun for the kids".......yeah on one hand it's just a harmless day of dressing up, but in another it can be honestly doing damage to seeds like you said. I remember the 'magic' of Christmas as a kid too, and I was thinking more about the presents, the time together.....not really about Santa claus. I think I can understand both viewpoints

[@RedFoxAce]

As a Christian parent, you can't tell kids lies about Santa and then expect them to continue to believe you when you tell them about Jesus. They will - very reasonable - think that Jesus is just as fake as Santa.

[@marjoleint3592]

Santaclaus comes from sinterklaas. This sinterklaas is celebrated all over Europe. It is a very pagan feast with krampus and black Pete. People in my country celebrate him like he is God. Everyone celebrates him, even at our christian schools (homeschooling is forbidden here). We do not participate in any of the festivities but it is very, very hard and people think we’re crazy. Sinterklaas has a book were he writes every good and bad thing you have done. He is allknowing, he is everlasting, he punish who he wants (trough black pete) and he come trough the fire were little children set food for (food for the bad spirits). Living in a very pagan society it is hard to stand alone, but watching american christians celebrate halloween and santa it just makes me so sad. Lets be like the friends of Daniel who didn’t bow down for the fake god. Lets honour our God and worship Him alone.

[@cathy7382]

Ah, just to set the record straight, Santa stems from St Nicholas who gave out much money to the poor, and would throw bags of coins down chimneys IDK where you get your research, I haven't heard anything bad about Santa, but I will agree that he's unfortunately featured a lot more than Jesus

[@imamsetiadi9162]

Christian tradition 😂 L I E

[@cheesypeanuts]

Easy question, don't tell them. Next

[@76monikaW]

Santa - Satan. Similar huh?

[@BooRadleyTube]

Only in certain languages.

[@eighthoneknows8273]

76monikaW Yeah , just like God and dog . Gimme a break !

[@godistruth3411]

It's no coincidence that Santa is an anagram of Satan. Lying is Satan's language. John 8:44

[@letsprayandfasttogether9618]

People always forget Claus - Lucas stands for lucifer. So both names of Santa Claus stand for satan.

[@hoodieboy1515]

I wonder when will pastor John talk about Vatican/pope really worshipping Baal. The Vatican has a satellite called "Lucifer". All these scandals by popes and priests abusing children.. it's all their pagan practice.. just like the legend of santa claus/st.nicholas and krampus.

[@pasang5386]

Where did the word Santa come from? Why do even people dressed like a Santa? Do people know, why Christmas is celebrated? "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" and December 25 is celebrated as the birth of The Son-It is not the exact date. If your Christmas is about Santa then you are a Pagan

[@eighthoneknows8273]

I find it sad that this mother had to ask this question about Santa Claus . She still grew up strong in her faith in spite of Santa . Ive never known any Christian whos lives or faith were altered by a childhood fantasy . Santa is fun .... I find stick in the mud self righteous parents worse than the myth of Santa Claus . You know my children believed in Santa , plus knew Jesus , then when they were older , were taught the Christian roots of the real Saint Nicholas . Tradition and faith can be carefully blended with a bit of wisdom and plenty of prayer and grace . If anyone calls that lying to children ... they are legalistic , blind , and boring ! BTW ... there is no competition with Jesus and Santa ! 🙄

[@godistruth3411]

Nothing legalistic about lying..Its sin, and the language of Satan..John 8:44 Don't you know what happens to liars? Rev 21:27 Rev 22:15 Read those verses and then tell me lying is no big deal, just a bit of fantasy.

[@followerofjesus9475]

EighthOne Knows commandment 1) You shall have no other gods before Me.

[@letsprayandfasttogether9618]

You just put Jesus and Santa on the same level. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

[@eighthoneknows8273]

John Ortiz no , go back and re read . Your comprehension skills are dull . I never put Santa and Jesus on the same level ... NEVER ! Jesus is not threatened by Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny or The Gingerbread Man !

[@eighthoneknows8273]

Follower of Jesus Santa isnt a god . Hes a fun character based on a true historic figure .

[@walterlahaye2128]

Santa/Satan is the god of this world!

[@louisasmiles]

Yes. Jesus is big enough to share His birth. The smiles children have had through Santa, I believe Jesus loves Santa.

[@OmegasMusic]

This is so ridiculous. You can't be talking about the same God that said set no idols before me. Santa Claus is someone children place their hopes in, in the same way as we do with prayers with God. That's a real idol. Jesus does not love a non existent man made man who's only purpose is to give gifts. Santa does not point to the Father at all. The whole idea of "Naughty or Nice" is not based on Christ. Children will smile for anything that pleases them, they are humans functioning at the most basic level. They don't understand what's really good for them.

[@louisasmiles]

@@OmegasMusic I don't care. Santa is fun. I understand you're point... But they'll figure it out. I taught my son both

[@springrain1694]

@@OmegasMusic not to mention the constant instruction of God to not participate in pagan holidays or worship and the resulting judgment for doing so. Oh, my bad. I dont think that applys to Americans or Christmas.

[@dannyboyz7061]

oh brother... you believe Jesus loves a made up idol people lie to their children about to bring them false hope?

[@BooRadleyTube]

"Jesus loves Santa?" What? You'll need to provide some evidence for that, because nowhere in the Bible does Jesus purport to "love" any mythical or fictional character, let alone one who claims to be omnipresent, omniscient and a distributor of gifts. I think there is good Biblical precedent to claim that Jesus hates Santa, and any other myth that aims to substitute a benevolent man with supernatural powers for himself.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

But Jesus was born at the end of September, not December. Christmas has nothing to do with Christ, though we should promote the gospel every day of the year. Time to step away from false pagan lies.

[@daviddavenport9350]

We dont know for certain when Jesus of Nazareth was born...early church fathers placed the Annunciation on March 25th, so Dec. 25th would be about right for the Incarnation.

[@user-ve2qh1ck5j]

Santa Claus = Satan Lucas = Lucifer

[@crashman27]

So it's wrong to lie to kids about santa? But a water-walking, wine transforming, magical healing superhuman or an angry wizard in the sky that listens to your thoughts and tortures people for eternity for not believing in him is totally acceptable?

[@troywright359]

you seem to think that God of the bible does evil things, well do you not tell your kids about Hitler who was a real person doing evil things?

[@shaunbaxter2662]

Christmas has never been about christ. You cant put the christ back in christmas because he was never a part of it. Supress the nostalgia of this wicked observance. Repent of it and do not perpetuate the tradition. Same with halloween, easter, valentines day. God does not want to be worshipped the same way the pagans worship their gods.

[@Paul-cb8cf]

Ask them why Santa always takes the 3rd letter and moves it to the end. He's really Satan Clause. Dont let Santa take the place of Jesus in your kids mind and don't do christmas. It is not Jesus' birthday.