🎄 A Christmas Conversation: Choosing Jesus Over Santa—With Grace, No Compromise

Pastor Terry, DocBMedia.com

The Christmas season comes around every year like a familiar song — full of lights, laughter, traditions, and memories. But every December, I notice something worth talking about. Not arguing about… not dividing over… just talking about with honesty and grace.

Here it is:

Why does the world (and many professing Christians) celebrate Santa Claus louder than the Birth of Baby Jesus?

I’m not asking this to judge anybody. I’m not asking anyone to throw Santa out. I’m simply inviting you into a conversation that can shape the way we see Christmas — not through guilt, but through God’s View, Hope, Change, and Practice.

Let’s walk through this gently, clearly, and Biblically.

GOD’S VIEW — The Real Story Behind Christmas

In Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2, God records the birth of Jesus with purpose:

• “Emmanuel” — Heb. ‘immanu el — God with us (Matthew 1:23)

• “Savior” — Gr. sōtēr — Deliverer, Rescuer, Restorer (Luke 2:11)

• “Peace” — Heb. shalom — wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken (Isaiah 9:6)

God’s View of Christmas is simple:

Christmas is Heaven stepping into Earth to save humanity.The manger leads to the Cross. The Cross leads to the Empty Tomb. And the Empty Tomb leads straight to us — right here, right now.

So Where Did Santa Come From?

Santa Claus began as Saint Nicholas, a generous 4th-century bishop. Over time, culture softened his image, added folklore, and eventually commercialized him into a symbol of gifts, fun, and holiday cheer.

Nothing evil.Nothing wrong with happiness (no joy without the Cross). Nothing wrong with traditions that bring families together.

But Santa became something Jesus never intended to compete with.

Why the World Emphasizes Santa More Than Jesus

Let’s speak plain and kind:

1. Secularization

People want the celebration without the commitment. Santa asks nothing of you. Jesus asks for your heart and your life — but gives you Eternal Life in return.

2. Commercialization

Santa sells merchandise. Jesus sells nothing — He gave everything.

3. Cultural Comfort

Santa fits anywhere. Jesus confronts sin to bring healing and Salvation.

4. Lack of Biblical Knowledge

When people don’t know the Nativity story, they naturally default to the cultural one.

That’s not condemnation. That’s reality. And reality is where Grace starts working.

HOPE — What Christmas Really Offers Us

John 1:14 says:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”Gr. eskēnōsen — “pitched His tent,” “made His home with us.”

Hope entered the world the moment Heaven touched straw.

Santa brings gifts under the tree. Jesus brings the Gift that hung on the Tree.

Santa can make a child smile for a day. Jesus brings Joy that cannot be taken away. (Gr. chara — “exceeding gladness rooted in God, not circumstances”)

Hope isn’t wrapped in red velvet —Hope is wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

CHANGE — What This Means for Believers and Non-Believers

Let’s walk gently here.

For Believers

Christmas is not just a holiday —it’s the celebration of God’s rescue mission.

Acts 20:24 says we must finish our race“testifying to the Gospel of the Grace of God”— Gr. charis — God’s undeserved, unstoppable kindness.

Believers celebrate Christmas as a reminder that:

• God came near.

• Grace became visible.

• Salvation became available.

• Joy became possible.

  
  

For Non-Believers

They may enjoy the happiness of the season — not “Joy,” but happiness —family meals, lights, gifts, Santa, and traditions. All good things.

But Jesus offers something Santa never could:

A changed heart, a new beginning, and Eternal Life.

Everyone is invited. No pressure. No condemnation. Just an open door.

PRACTICE — How We Live This Out Today

Here’s how we hold Grace without Compromise:

1. Celebrate traditions without letting them replace Truth.

I’m not asking you to toss Santa out the back door. I’m asking us all to lift Jesus through the front door.

2. Teach our families the meaning behind the manger.

Kids can enjoy Santa —but they must know that Jesus is the reason we even have a Christmas.

3. Keep conversations kind.

No arguing with anyone who prefers a different focus. Grace and Truth walk hand-in-hand.

4. Reflect on what Christmas means personally.

Ask yourself:

• What do I believe about this season?

• Where does my Hope come from?

• What am I passing on to my children and grandchildren?

Tradition is temporary. Truth is eternal.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Two families can celebrate Christmas completely differently:

• One gathers around the Nativity and Scripture.

• The other gathers around Santa and traditions.

Both may laugh. Both may share meals. Both may exchange gifts.

But only one receives the Gift that changes everything.

My invitation — never my condemnation — is simple: Enjoy the season, but don’t miss the Savior.