Santa Claus vs. Jesus

A few years ago I dressed up as Santa Claus for our Christmas program at church. I thought it was fine.

What's your opinion?

I voted that it depends on the circumstances. Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) is a fictionalized tradition based on an actual person. I don't understand why some Christians get so bent out of shape about Sandy Claws.

Of course the real reason for the season is Jesus. And if Christ's message is not marginalized in anyway, I don't see the harm in rolling out the jolly old elf once a year.

I've also been a Santa at the church Christmas program. But, I'm not really comfortable with Santa in the program.

Our church has changed. We either do a Christmas program or Caroling and keep all the focus on Jesus. Then, on another night, we do a more secular celebration then with exchanging gifts or playing Dirty Santa. So, it is possible for a church group to do both, but keep the focus where it belongs.

I picked "It depends on the circumstances." aswell. I think it's fine to have Santa in church as long as the reasons are kept clear that Jesus is the Saviour and Santa isn't!

Fundy

This year there's a musical from the Sunday School kids.
On December 25th we always have a family service.
Two years ago we have had a breakfast with each other.
There were songs, a little sermon.

alldatndensum wrote:

Then, on another night, we do a more secular celebration then with exchanging gifts or playing Dirty Santa.

Ok I don't wanna pull a Sabidoo here, but that has me thinking some rather "unwholesome" like thoughts..... what is "Dirty Santa"?

That's what I voted it too.
It depends the circumstances.
that's what I wonder too, what's a dirty Santa?
A santa you smell for many miles ......

It seems I have turned Staybrite and avdb11 into good and proper freaks like me.

My mission is done.

Nah, I don't think it's the best idea to have Santa in the church... it's not like an evul person or something but it's just awkward... and secular(?)

endlessfuneral2003 wrote:

Nah, I don't think it's the best idea to have Santa in the church... it's not like an evul person or something but it's just awkward... and secular(?)

Yes, but that is only because our culture has made Saint Nick (Santa Clause) secular.

Look at this article from wikipedia.

Quote :

Saint Nicholas (Greek: Άγιος Νικόλαος , Agios Nikolaos, "victory of the people") is the common name for Saint Nicholas, a Lycian saint and Bishop of Myra in Anatolia (in modern-day Antalya province, Turkey, though then it was a Greek-speaking Roman Province). He was born during the third century in the village of Patara. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, but is now commonly identified with Santa Claus. Nicholas was never officially canonised; his legend simply evolved among the faithful. Among Catholic and Orthodox Christians, the historical Saint Nicholas is remembered and revered. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, children, and students in Greece, Belgium, Bulgaria...... He is also the patron saint of several cities, Palestine, and Russia.

There is also a really cool history page at the Saint Nicholas Center website, that sheds a little more light on this historicaly Christian figure.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=35

Funy to read about Saint Nicolaas.
Here we celebrate every year the birthday of Sinterklaas or Sint Nicolaas.

You guys have never played Dirty Santa?

Well, to play, you set a price limit on a gift. Everyone intending to play brings one gift in that price range. It must be wrapped. Then, all players draw numbers. The first person up takes a present and opens it. Player two must then decide to steal that gift or open another. Each gift, once opened, can only be stolen 3 times before it is taken out of play. Play continues until everyone has a gift.

The more cut throat it gets, the more fun it is. At church, I ended up with my own gift. But, for me, that is the main rule: bring a gift you wouldn't mind having. What did I bring this year? "The Christmas Story" DVD.

Ohhhh, I've played that game before, but I don't think we called it Dirty Santa.

Some people call it White Elephant or Sneaky Santa. There are many names.

No way!

I like pudding!

Tall Tyrion wrote:

I like pudding!

FINALLY, someone with a brain took this poll.

alldatndensum wrote:

Some people call it White Elephant or Sneaky Santa. There are many names.

Yes, White Elephant, that is what they called it.

vikica wrote:

No way!

Yes way!

sabidoo wrote:

FINALLY, someone with a brain took this poll.

I don't think I would consider that a compliment.

Staybrite wrote:

alldatndensum wrote:

Some people call it White Elephant or Sneaky Santa. There are many names.

Yes, White Elephant, that is what they called it.

vikica wrote:

No way!

Yes way!

sabidoo wrote:

FINALLY, someone with a brain took this poll.

I don't think I would consider that a compliment.

Just for that, you will be the "star" in the next jib-jab movie I do.