So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Acts 18:18

One last entry prompted by Paul still observing a Jewish tradition, that is not Christian…

We have commented on enjoying harmless Christmas traditions that are not about Christ, as long as they do not eclipse the centrality of Christ. We also commented on forms of celebration that are dangerous, or maybe even wrong. Today, what about Santa?

I was once counseled “Never speak about Santa for fear of offending.” While not wanting to offend anyone, let me defend a bit of truth.

I am not afraid to read fictional stories to my children or grandchildren. But I do not tell them that the stories are real and that they must believe them to get gifts. They knew Winnie the Pooh wasn’t real!

Santa (as he is presented and portrayed in our day*) is a fictional fairytale character. We do not need to pretend the fairy tale doesn’t exist, because it (the fairy tale, not Santa) does exist.

Jesus is real—and more important than any other person (real or fictional)—ever. Al Mohler counseled recently: Christians need to be more about teaching our children the truth of Jesus than attacking the fairy tale of Santa (a paraphrase, not a quote).

Okay, so this is how we handled it. Not everyone has to follow our example. But whatever you do, do not tell your children to believe what is not true—but be sure to tell them to believe in Jesus who IS “the Truth” (John 14:6).

*I say “as presented in our day” because there really was a Saint Nicholas, but there is virtually no resemblance between that person who lived long ago, and the modern day Santa.