Santa Needs To Hear The Gospel

Brian Chair

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

Nicholas was a bishop who lived during the fourth century in Asia Minor. He had a reputation for helping the poor. One of the legends that sprung up following his death is concerning one particular man who had three daughters. The man was too poor to afford a dowry for his oldest to marry. So, in an attempt to help anonymously, Nicholas climb on the man’s roof in the night and dropped a bag of gold down the man’s chimney. The gold fell into a stocking that was drying by the fire…and you can imagine the rest. After his death, Nicolas was recognized as a saint by the Catholic church. He remained very popular up until the time of the Reformation, when most things associated with the Catholic church became unpopular. However, in subsequent generations, to continue the tradition of giving gifts to children the idea of Santa Clause was born. And it has skyrocketed to new heights in American culture. It is interesting to me how legends evolve over centuries.

I know that many Christians reject the idea of having Santa as a part of their Christmas festivities. I have never felt it was necessary for me to take dogmatic stances on the issue. As long as children are clearly taught that the season revolves around the great gift of Jesus, I believe this is not something worthy of Christians fussing about, and parents can make that call for themselves. But if you will afford me the latitude, we at least need to evangelize Santa!

Last week, I heard the old song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. I admit, it does stir up fond memories of childhood. However, as I listened to the words I began to realize that Santa needed someone to share the Gospel with him!!

“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Clause is coming to town”. He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out whose naughty or nice”

Well, I want Santa to hear the Gospel!! The truth is, we were all on the naughty list. The Bible teaches us that we were born with a nature bent towards sin, and when given the opportunity we choose sin for ourselves. Being good is something we are not capable of on our own. However, God gave us a gift, anyway…not because we were good, but because He is! The gift of salvation had to be given to us freely because we would never be able to earn it with our conduct. Jesus, took the “lump” that we deserved and gave us the gift that only He deserved. And now, all of us who are in Christ do have our names on a list: it is called the “Lamb’s book of life”. And for the remainder of eternity, we will continue to receive good gifts. But they never come to us because of our merit, but because of His!

I pray that during this season you will take the opportunity to share this Good News with someone. It really is the best gift you could give someone during the “most wonderful time of the year”.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Brian