As a kid, I spent every Christmas Eve looking out my window wondering if I would see Santa. My mom would try to make me go to sleep, but I would secretly stay awake trying to see or hear Santa come into our home where he would leave our presents.

It was the same story every year… I would fall asleep and then wake up in the middle of the night, sneak out of my room and go into the living room to see all of the presents. My confusion of how Santa got into my house without me noticing was quickly eradicated by my fascination with all the presents under the tree. It truly was a kid’s dream.

I got several amazing presents, things I wished and hoped for and even asked Santa for when we went to the shopping mall. But there was something missing in my life during all of those years – a relationship with Jesus Christ.

My family did an excellent job reminding me about Santa and how he was making his list and checking it twice. But they never emphasized Jesus. I knew that if I was good and not bad then I would receive presents and not coal, but no one ever wanted to tell me that I had an eternal inheritance awaiting me through the free gift of grace given to me by Jesus Christ.

I’ll admit it, I’m about as anti-Santa as they come. But I’m not saying every Christian parent should completely excommunicate Santa. I’m simply suggesting we all evaluate why we glorify Santa.

If Santa is a part of your Christmas experience, is it because it’s simply the cultural thing to do? Do you use Santa as an avenue for behavior control, manipulating your children with empty threats of coal? Is it just a fun tradition to play pretend with your kids? Do you find ways to use Santa as an illustration to point your kids towards Jesus? 

Whether Kris Kringle visits your home or not, let’s all give the most glory where glory is due, especially during this season. 

Here are some of the songs we’ll be sing at our various Christmas Eve services this Sunday at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM.