By Staff
Guest columnist, Jason Green, Clanton Advertiser
Christmas is on its way. I don't think we can deny the fact any longer. Moreover, it is actually five weeks away from Santa's trip down my chimney.
Oh yes, I still believe in Santa Claus.
Why shouldn't I. So often we forget what Christmas is really all about. We get caught up in the economics of the holiday instead of the meaning. We also get caught up, in our efforts to refocus on the holiday, in harping on Christmas not being about Santa Claus.
Before we are so quick to degrade his significance, let me remind you of something.
Christmas is a Christian celebration recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God. In believing that Jesus is the son of God, Christians also believe Jesus was a gift to all mankind.
Santa Claus does not intend to remove the focus of Christmas from the birth of the savior. On the contrary, he is an example – of giving and of love. He is a way of helping children understand what the holiday really means. Santa loves kids and he gives more than he ever takes. Certainly he is a symbol, but he is an important one. He's a hands-on, visible reminder of just how God feels about us. He's a reminder of God's love, giving nature and of God's desire to see his people blessed.
Santa's significance has been downgraded over the years because of the jolly old elf simply being misunderstood.
When we think of Santa as an example of God's love and as a representative of God's character – then Santa becomes the very thing Christians believe God wants them to be. Santa sets a Christ-like example.
There are some who no longer believe in Santa. It's because as they grow older they think it's silly to believe in something that seems so unbelievable. How unfortunate that is. If we followed the examples of Christ – giving, loving, caring and placing others first – as presented to us through Santa, we might actually be able to regain the focus of Christmas.
Christmas, the Christian holiday, is set aside as the celebration of the baby who came to a manger, who lived and became a savior and eventually died for the sins of the world so that we all might have access to God. That's why we celebrate.
However, Santa is someone who introduces us to the heart and mindset of a giver – which Christ is and which we all should be.
Enjoy Christmas, it's less than a month away. And make certain you are celebrating the holiday as it was intended. But, in returning our thoughts to the manger and the man, don't be so quick to rule out the significance of the symbol, Santa. He's not supposed to represent spending money and getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. He's intended to shine the line of God's love to our children.
There's room in Christmas for the Savior and for Santa.
Note: Jason Green is the managing editor for The Clanton Advertiser.