In the heart of a town, two fathers stood as neighbors, each with a son, driven by a common desire to honor God. Both attended church faithfully, praying and reading the Bible with their sons. Yet, their paths diverged, shaping the destinies of their families.
The first father, unwavering in his commitment to God, faced mockery for standing firm in his convictions. He refused to lie to his son, and his son noticed. His son observed this courage, and the father’s honesty resonated deeply. He instilled a belief in one God, teaching that God defines good and bad, and sin carries consequences.
As the son grew older, he sometimes wondered how he could know Jesus was real since he could not “see” him or “touch” him but accepted it because his father was always honest with him. He learned to stand for Jesus even when it was hard, because he learned by watching his father.
In contrast, the second father clung to generational traditions, content in a comfortable existence. He blended truths with fanciful tales, weaving a web of make-believe characters into his son’s life. It felt comfortable, most of his friends and neighbors lived their lives in a similar manner so there was no conflict.
He did not feel that God really cared that much about some areas of how he and his family led their daily lives. He told his son that Jesus was the way to God, but he also liked to tell his son seemingly harmless made-up stories about make believe characters. He enjoyed telling his son about the tooth fairy, Easter bunny, and of course Santa Claus. He continued the stories for many years until finally his son would learn on his own that each story was not true.
The father even went out of his way to provide false evidence that the stories were true… like money under the pillow for a tooth or telling his son that the bunny hid the eggs and brought him a basket, and of course having lots of presents at Christmas… all from Santa. He even ate cookies and milk on behalf of Santa. After all, it’s just a bit of fun. What harm can it do?
Yet, as his son grew older, the line between reality and fiction blurred, leaving him with doubts about Jesus and the Bible. The son sometimes wondered how he could know Jesus was real since he could not “see” him or “touch” him. He loved his father, but throughout his life his father had lied to him and even gone out of his way to fake evidence in many make-believe characters. He could not help but wonder if Jesus and the Bible were like the rest of the made-up stories and he had many doubts.
Reflections on Tradition and Truth
Let’s pause and consider the stories we tell our children. Are we unknowingly weaving a web of lies, disrupting the authenticity of our faith journey? Beyond the potential mistrust caused by falsehoods, we must scrutinize the deeper impact of our traditions.
Take the story of Santa Claus—a representative example. It shifts the focus of Christmas from giving to receiving, emphasizing deserving gifts based on behavior. The supposed accountability for “bad” actions becomes inconsequential, undermining the idea of consequences for wrong choices. Furthermore, Santa, an all-knowing and eternal figure, can be seen as a subtle replacement for God.
Christmas Traditions and Their Underlying Messages
The story of Santa, widely accepted and celebrated, inadvertently draws attention away from God, causing confusion and doubt. As Christians, it’s crucial to question whether our cherished traditions align with God’s message. It’s not merely about lying to our children but about the values and lessons embedded in these stories.
Trying to tell a child Christmas is about Jesus, but then overwhelming them with presents and made-up stories about Santa is like telling a child to eat a carrot and then putting in front of them a table full of cookies, brownies, cakes, and ice cream. At the very least, the table of desserts is a major distraction. In most cases, the children will remember the desserts long after they forget the carrot.
After spending years lying to children and convincing them that Santa is real, even when they start to recognize it and ask questions, we will then tell them it was all in fun… but trust me about Jesus.
Even Atheists Like Santa
Santa is in fact accepted around the world by many because he is absolutely not pointing to God, but rather distracting attention away from God or replacing God completely. Christians and non-Christians alike accept him. In one example, Santa’s picture was used as a spokesman for a billboard campaign by atheists basically saying we can be good without need of God. “Go ahead and skip church! Just be good for goodness sake.” (link to article here). [How an atheist can define “good” while claiming there is no God is an interesting conversation for another day.]
The Emotional Challenge of Change
Recognizing the need for change is emotional and challenging. Yet, standing for Christ above all else, even within our families, is a commitment Christ himself acknowledged would stir discord. (Matthew 10:32-39)
Choose God’s Ways Over Man-Made Traditions
In the spirit of self-reflection, challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions. Seek God’s truth in His word and apply it in your life. Remember, God desires His people to be holy and righteous, placing Him above all else.
A Call to Prayerful Action
May this reflection be an awakening, prompting prayerful consideration. We encourage you to seek God’s guidance, bravely stepping into a journey where His ways triumph over the traditions of man.
Closing Challenge: Put God First
As we conclude, remember the words of Jesus—choose God over familial bonds, prioritizing Christ above all. For in giving up our lives for Him, we truly find life.
God wants his people to be holy (set apart for God’s use) and righteous (living according to God’s commands rather than the world’s). He wants us to put Him first, above everything else.
Challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions and seek first the kingdom of God. Do not dismiss this quickly but rather prayerfully seek God to show you the truth of His word and how to apply it in your life.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.