Santa Clause and Jesus

I've always been afraid to really try to enforce the belief in Santa Claus with my children.  My concern was that if they grew to the age of reason it wouldn't be difficult to figure out I had been lying to them for so long about Mr. C.  I didn't want them to question my trust.

As kids, we can easily believe all the magic and mystical things that our society has heaped upon this big fella named Santa Clause.  The huge sleigh filled with presents, the list that he checks twice, the fact that the big man sees us at all times, flying reindeer, presents around the world in one night.  We buy it all - hook line and sinker.

Then we come to an age where it stops making sense.  We realize that most of this doesn't seem real and we stop believing.  We forget Santa exists.  Sometimes as adults we refuse to dig deeper but when and if we do, we realize that "Santa" does really exist.  He was a man named Nicholas born during the third century in a village called Patara on the southern coast of Turkey.  He had wealthy parents who raised him a Christian and died while Nicholas was young.  Nicholas used his inheritance to help the poor and sick and suffering.  He served God well and was made the Bishop of Myra while still a young man.  Nicholas died December 6, AD 343 in Myra.

Now the same can apply to Jesus.  As kids it's easy for us to believe all the magic and mystical things that Jesus is all about.  The miracles, the Eucharist, the fact that he died to release us from OUR sins.  As adults sometimes this stops making sense and we are too busy with other things like parenting, work, social lives and everything else that takes our attention.   Sometimes as adults we refuse to dig deeper so we stop believing.  But there is a huge danger to that.  We must dig deeper and when we do we realize that Jesus did exist and he was indeed the son of God.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Isaiah was predicting the birth of Christ long before he came to Earth!  Do we believe it?  Do we really think that this is just some crazy writings about a man who did exist but was perhaps delusional?  Maybe it is time to do some digging as adults to find out who this man Jesus Christ really was so that Christmas can take on it's original meaning to us and not become what society has heaped on it.

Isaiah 9:5-6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Luke 2:6-14 While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Take some time to slow down and ponder Jesus in this crazy busy time that is the weeks leading up to Christmas.  Focus on what is happening at Mass at Christmas and not those around you. Remember, the Christmas season BEGINS December 25th, it doesn't end.