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| The best and simple answer is one found in the Bible: Thou shalt not lie. Colossians 3:9 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;" Prov 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. Jesus calls the devil the father of lies: John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." The Bible tells us that we should be honest in all things. To teach children about Santa Claus makes the parent a liar. As adults, we have a hard time trusting someone that has lied to us and how much more devastating is this to a child? Children have such impressionable minds. Most are so devastated when they find out the truth. They have a hard time trusting their parents. Many kids feel betrayed. 1John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. The Word of God tells us in Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Here's a brief summary: A parent lies to their own child for 5 or 6 years of their child's life, telling them that, "Santa is real" and "Santa is watching you." Then, finally, they confess and tell their child the truth; that Santa is not real and that they have been basically lying to them for the past 5 years-- which is most of the child's life. And the parent then expects that child to understand and to trust them for the next 15 years. How can one instill basic Biblical principles to their child, telling their children not to lie and yet they, themselves, have been found to be liars? It is a terrible thing ... filled with terrible consequences. You will reap what you have sown if you lie to your child about Santa Claus. If you want your own child to be truthful and honest, then you too must be the example and be truthful with them from the very beginning. Kids think of Santa like God. Not only does the child have to believe that Santa is real but also has to believe ALL these other lies: 1) Universal knowledge of each and every child and their activities throughout the year. "He knows if you are sleeping. Knows when you're awake. Knows if you have been bad or good..." 2) Santa defies natural laws. He violates the laws of gravity. 3) Goes around the world in one evening 4) Carries all the presents of the world in his sleigh 5) Has 8 reindeer who fly 6) Has elves in the north pole making presents 7) Santa slides down a chimney even though he is so big Plus the countless other lies parents tell their child when the child begins to ask questions. Making up stories about seeing Santa in the living room-- seeing Rudolph and seeing his glowing nose from the bedroom window. Parents and children baking cookies for Santa. ETC. Luke 17:2 [Jesus said] It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. So many lies... So much deceit in the teaching of Santa to impressionable minds. It has no place in the Christian home! Isaiah 59:4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Prov 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Prov 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Interesting Note: Years ago, when I was 21, a man named Steve discussed with me why he does not believe in God. He said,"I believed in Santa. He was not real. I believed in the Easter bunny. He was not real. I believed in the Tooth Fairy. She was not real. Why should I think God is real?" I replied, "God indeed is very real." He said, "Well, you don't understand how devastated I was when I was a kid to find out Santa was not real. I still have a hard time with it. My parents lied to me. I felt so betrayed." I said, "I understand because I, too, was devastated when I found out the truth about Santa." I went on to say, "but God is not a myth. God is real. Jesus is real. The Bible is real." Our conversation continued and I began to tell him about who Jesus is to me and what Jesus has done in my life but Steve was not responsive to the Gospel. His heart was very hard toward the things of God. He had a hard time believing people and he himself lied often to even his closest friends. He also disliked his parents very much and lied to them as well. Steve is one example why Santa is not a good thing to teach one's children. We should not lie to the kids. How can they grow up and be honest if the parents teaching them to be honest have lied to them? Practice what you preach for you will surely reap what you have sown. Copyright © 2003 Cobblestone Road Ministries All Rights Reserved The TRUE MEANING of Christmas is that Jesus left His Throne on high to be born a humble baby; to live the life of a Servant, to die for our sins and to rise again so that all who believe in Him should have eternal life. The Lord Jesus told us in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." LINKS on this Santa subject can be found here: The BEST article on Santa Claus is found at www.AV1611.org. CLICK HERE Should Christians tell their kids Santa is real? Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? A Must-Read! The Wise Men and The Star of Bethlehem Hymn Story..."Just As I Am" |
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| Many Christians today celebrate Santa Claus with their kids. Should Christians tell their young children that Santa Claus is real? |
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For more reading on being a good Christian parent: Being a Good Christian Parent Spiritually Childproofing Your Home What are you feeding your children? Television- Turning Children Into Zombies Beware Of the New Bible For Teenage Girls |
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