Big Bubba - The Holidays Threads Merged

[Wally]

Yes Virginia, there is a satan too.

As parents, we will strugle with this notion of imagination and fantasy.

In one respect it is the very essence of faith - believing in the unseen.

But the real issue is truth. We point to Jesus, the Bible. A reliable testimony. Worthy of our faith.

Others point to a jolly old elf and a Dicken's classic.


Spoiling another's holiday is certianly unkind, but glossing over another's eternity is far worse.


Yes, I do understand the child like happiness. But Tact can be a great part of the Christmas Season.


Kids will see Santa's all over the place. For them there is a greater tangible, a real presence.

But the Lord? A baby in a feed trough?

For what it is worth, I do appreciate the classic painting (like a Rockwell) of Santa kneeling at the Manger.


Even ideas are subject to Christ.

May we be gracious this Christmas. Perhaps a response like this to the following may be more effective:


Cashier to me and my son: Are you ready for Santa?

Self: Oh someone more important than that.

Cashier: Really? Who?

Son: JESUS!

[Mtown]

Yes Virginia, there is a satan too.

As parents, we will strugle with this notion of imagination and fantasy.

In one respect it is the very essence of faith - believing in the unseen.

But the real issue is truth. We point to Jesus, the Bible. A reliable testimony. Worthy of our faith.

Others point to a jolly old elf and a Dicken's classic.


Spoiling another's holiday is certianly unkind, but glossing over another's eternity is far worse.


Yes, I do understand the child like happiness. But Tact can be a great part of the Christmas Season.


Kids will see Santa's all over the place. For them there is a greater tangible, a real presence.

But the Lord? A baby in a feed trough?

For what it is worth, I do appreciate the classic painting (like a Rockwell) of Santa kneeling at the Manger.


Even ideas are subject to Christ.

May we be gracious this Christmas. Perhaps a response like this to the following may be more effective:


Cashier to me and my son: Are you ready for Santa?

Self: Oh someone more important than that.

Cashier: Really? Who?

Son: JESUS!

:thumb

[Buzzardhut]

Kids aren't stupid; they play along the santa game to get the presents.

[OnceWasLost]

Kids aren't stupid; they play along the santa game to get the presents.

:lol2

How cynical. :heh

[Tall Timbers]

I never had to tell my kids that Santa wasn't. When they were older and already knew anyway, I finally told them that I was their Santa. They've been raised to believe in Santa and still do, I hope. I still believe in Santa. One of our favorite movies is "The Santa Clause". When they were younger I referenced that movie to help explain how Santa got down chimneys and whatnot whenever they asked questions about it.

Way back when, one of my older sisters told me there wasn't really an Easter Bunny. I was devastated for about 3 seconds... I'm really glad my parents allowed me to believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy. I was going to say I hope my kids pass all that onto their kids, but actually I hope they're all raptured before they have the chance to.

[skater]

Thank you Tall Timbers. I needed that. Our focus is on Jesus this month and every other month. But the fun of Santa hasn't hurt my children at all. The older two put God first (so far - I pray its always that way) and have somehow managed to put the fantasy in perspective. I'm struggling because I need my church right now and I'm afraid to go.

As far as doctrine goes, its true that its not all correct. The problem is that the churches we've tried with better doctrine have not had the friendly people I've come to enjoy. Sometimes you get tired of getting hurt.

[Alex]

I never had to tell my kids that Santa wasn't. When they were older and already knew anyway, I finally told them that I was their Santa. They've been raised to believe in Santa and still do, I hope. I still believe in Santa. One of our favorite movies is "The Santa Clause". When they were younger I referenced that movie to help explain how Santa got down chimneys and whatnot whenever they asked questions about it.

Way back when, one of my older sisters told me there wasn't really an Easter Bunny. I was devastated for about 3 seconds... I'm really glad my parents allowed me to believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy. I was going to say I hope my kids pass all that onto their kids, but actually I hope they're all raptured before they have the chance to.

:thumb:thumb

Some of my best days growing up was on Christmas morning even after I was old enough and knew there was no santa. My God and Jesus is much bigger then santa frosty and all the other winter stories so I can look back and smile even with a twinkle in my eye.

[Shonsu]

One thing to consider that really convicted me about it (and I'm not saying you need to be convicted, we need to follow our own conscience) is the fact that telling our kids or acknowledging that Santa exists is a lie, which is a sin.

[Wally]

Maybe we should promote the underrated Belschnikel.

Coal and switches for the naughty list.

I know a few who would benefit.

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

May we be gracious this Christmas. Perhaps a response like this to the following may be more effective:


Cashier to me and my son: Are you ready for Santa?

Self: Oh someone more important than that.

Cashier: Really? Who?

Son: JESUS!

Oh, i love this...just as an 'in general' thing!!