Santa Clause: A Reflection Of Christ
Santa Clause may not be real, but it seems like everybody knows him. The documentation and evidence of Jesus of Nazareth are hard to ignore(whether on a factual level or a spiritual level), but yet many people do not know him.
So if God is in control, why would he allow the dominion of such a fictitious character to take over a season that is known for the celebration of the documented Jesus and proclaimed divine Savior of the Human Race? After all, it is Christmas, not Clause-mas.
I have a couple of insights into this question that I would like to share.
God Allows It To Happen Because Of Free Agency
God allows the season to be dominated by the wonderful fictitious character of Santa Clause because as a society we choose to allow it to happen. I believe God is not a Dictator. To me, God is a good, divine, all-knowing, influential Opportunist.
He takes advantage of opportunities that may seem dire or off-track to influence good into people’s lives. We may not know how he does it, but I believe that he does. He is the Eternal Optimist and to that, I am grateful.
Santa Clause Gives The World An Opportunity To Come Closer to Jesus Christ
In this day and age, the simple traditions of Santa Clause are the natural world’s spoken and unspoken reason for the season.
For those who may not believe in Jesus Christ, it is my observation that the next in line for the most powerful influencer in the Christmas Season is old, jolly Saint Nick himself.
Now it is true that many people do not believe in Santa Clause as well. However, Santa Clause(even though he is an idolized fictitious character in the present day) is still the foundation of the Holiday.
Many know that Santa is not real but still uses his character as a way to promote the season. Whether it be commercially, or to promote good character for the people in our lives.
This is where the opportunity lies. In the Character of Santa Clause
The Countenance Of Christ
In the Book of Mormon: Another Testament Of Jesus Christ, it reads…
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.”
As God reigns with a plan for each of us as his children. He sent his son to be an exemplar for all mankind. A beacon of faith, hope, love, and devotion of the Heavenly Father.
As Christians, we follow him because he knows the way back to God. We believe him to be the only one who does. To follow him we need to be able to recognize him. That is why we may study his doctrine. After all, how are we supposed to follow any leader if we cannot recognize him?
So that we can be more loving. So that we can be more kind. So that we can be more full of hope. I believe that it is important to have Christ in our countenances so that he can recognize us as his followers. As well as, for people to yearn to learn of Christ because of our imperfect attempt to be more like him.
In other words, good Christ-like people give a natural opportunity for other people to know Christ because of the way you choose to follow Christ. With that being Said Santa Clause(although fictitious as we know him) is Christ-like. What better opportunity for God than to Flood the Season with a Christ-like fictitious legend that gives people who do not want to know him, or who are not given the chance to know him, an opportunity to feel the Spirit of Christ?
The Similarities Between Jesus Christ And Santa Clause
Although fictitious now, as we think of him, Santa Clause is based on a person who once lived on earth. He was known as Saint Nicholas. He was believed to be born somewhere around 280A.D. in what we now know as modern-day Turkey. He was known for his “kindness” and “piety”.
As a result, of his good heart, he became famous all over Europe. This leads to the magical character we all know and love today as Santa Clause.
Santa Clause is known today for serving all year round by making thought-out gifts for children and adults alike. A legend that is known for knowing all the good and the bad in the world, as well as the people associated with it.
The Jolly Man, who seems to never die year after year, only to keep serving the human race by sacrificing his time for our wants and needs. The same jolly man who is known for wearing red and white. This is how we know Santa Clause today.
A character who fully embodies the spirit of Christmas. A spirit that we do our best to keep all year round. Especially, for those who do their best to follow Christ, because some will testify that joyous feeling is the Spirit of Christ.
So if by that perspective they are the same, there is no way(at least in my mind) that Santa Clause does not embody the Spirit of Christ.
For Christ too, has given his life to serving endlessly. To help us become better sons and daughters of God through his example. Giving the gift of his divine love.
He too knows the good and the bad in the world, and those associated with it. For he too, lives on forever succoring us with our wants and needs. Whether we know him or not.
And finally, he too is associated with the colors red and white. Red represents the love of his sacrifice by the shedding of his blood. While white represents his divine countenance that is filled with light and truth.
Concluding Thoughts
People may want to follow Christ or may find it hard to do so. Some people may not know of his importance or even of his existence.
However, as somewhat of an optimist myself, I think the magical legend of Santa Clause provides an opportunity for those who may be in some of these circumstances, a chance to have the Light of Christ in their lives.
Allowing them to be near him and get to know him during this season. So when the Christmas Season ends, they continue to hunger for the Spirit of Christmas. For which that same spirit is the Spirit of Christ.