Christmas devotions about Santa Claus

WHO IS SANTA, ANYWAY?

Bible Memory Verse:

1 John 4:19

Note to Parents/teachers:

(This devotion is about Santa, and the fact that he's not around anymore, and the fact that most of the stories about him are made-up stories. Teachers may want to let parents know this before teaching it, and let the parents decide if their child is ready to hear the truth. Check with them first).

This time of year, we hear a lot about Santa Claus. Who is Santa anyway? At the shopping malls, once in a while we catch a glimpse of Santa. He always looks jolly. He wears a bright red suit and has a fluffy white beard. At one time or another, you've probably sat on Santa's lap and told him what you want for Christmas. You've probably written letters to Santa and sent them to the North Pole. You've probably watched videos and movies about Santa and his famous reindeer named Rudolf the Red-nosed reindeer. We've all heard about how he rides a sleigh pulled by a team of reindeer with Rudolf in front leading the way with his big, bright red nose. We hear stories about how Santa slides down chimneys to bring presents to all the good little girls and boys, and fill their stockings full of goodies.

Well, it does make a nice story. But, let's think about this for a minute. Do reindeer really fly? Is Santa really able to come down your chimney? What if you don't have a chimney. Then what does Santa do? Is all this stuff we hear about Santa really true?

Well, let's go back to how the story began. According to history, a long time ago, there really was a man named Nicholas, who we now know as Santa Claus. Nicholas was a religious man. Nicholas loved children and cared about them a lot. In the country where Nicholas came from, it was common that in order for a girl to be married, she had to have a dowry (a lot of money and possessions). And, if a poor family could not afford a dowry, their child would be taken away and made a slave. This really upset Nicholas because he didn't want the children to become slaves. So, one day Nicholas started going door to door giving gifts to poor children on Christmas eve so that they would have a dowry and not have to become a slave.

So, that is how the whole idea of how the story of Santa Claus got started. Of course, over the years, the story changed a lot. His name changed from Nicholas to St. Nick, then to Santa Claus. Today people all over the world celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, not just to poor families, but to friends and family too. If we think about how the story began, it really was a wonderful thing for this man named Nicholas to give gifts to the poor families. He gave of his own time and money because he had love in his heart for the children. But, was Nicholas really the one who started this whole idea of giving gifts on Christmas day?

Let's think about the Christmas story that we know is true and real...not just made-up- Let's think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas? Let's think about who really started the whole idea of giving gifts. Wasn't it God who gave first? God gave us the precious gift of his Son, Jesus. God gives us life. God gives us our health and our families. In fact, it is God who gives us all the things we are thankful for.

God is the one who showed us how to love. He gave us the perfect example; And, God is the one who put love in Santa's heart to help him give to the poor children. God is the one who puts love in our hearts too, and helps us do good things. So, let's keep the focus on God this Christmas and the fact that he gave us the best gift of all! Jesus is the real reason we celebrate. Giving gifts is a good thing when we do it in love. But, let's also remember that it is God who gave first, and it is God who gives us the money to buy the gifts, and gives us the abilities to make gifts and cards to give away. And, let's thank him for giving us the very best gift anyone could've ever given us - the gift of his Son, Jesus, in whom we can have salvation.

I understand if you're a little disappointed about the whole Santa story not being true. But, just remember, God gives us way more than Santa ever could. God gives us the things we really need...things like love and joy and peace. The true story is way better than the made-up one anyway. So, don't be sad...be glad that God's promises do come true and that He is for real, always and forever!

I hope you liked the lesson. Now we do some activities about Santa.