JESUS VS SANTA CLAUS What Happens When Engineers Think Too Much About Christmas? This is how an Engineer would envisage Christmas. 1. There are no known species of reindeer that can fly. But there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not completely rule out flying reindeer, which only Santa has seen. 2. There are 2 billion children (under 18) in the world. But since Santa doesn't appear to handle Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, SDA’s and Jewish children, that reduces the work load to 15% of the total - 378 million or so. At an average rate of 3.5 children per household, that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each. 3. Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with thanks to time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming he travels east to west. This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of the sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining gifts under the tree, eat the snacks, get back up the a chimney, get back in the sleigh, and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million homes are distributed evenly (which we know to be false but for the sake of these calculations we will accept) we are now talking about 1 km per household, a total trip of 121 million kms, not counting bathroom stops. This means that Santa's sleigh is traveling at 1100 kms per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For comparison, the fastest manmade vehicle, the Ulysses space probe moves at a poky 44 kms per second; the average reindeer runs at 24 kph. How did you like those few tantalizing facts to kick us off? It became obvious to me a long time ago that a Xmas study was necessary. So, what should you think and do about Xmas? Let’s begin with some comments. “Shall We Have a Christmas Tree?“ God would be well pleased if on Christmas each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship. Letters of inquiry have come to us asking, Shall, we have a Christmas tree? Will it not be like the world? We answer: You can make it like the world if you have a disposition to do so, or you can make it as unlike the world as possible. There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen and placing it in our churches, but the sin lies in the motive which prompts to action and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree. {AH 482.1} The tree may be as tall and its branches as wide as shall best suit the occasion; but let its boughs be laden with the golden and silver fruit of your beneficence, and present this to Him as your Christmas gift. Let your donations be sanctified by prayer. {AH 482.2} Who’s birthday does Xmas represent? Jesus of course. Who get’s the birthday gift? The one whose birthday its is. So, why do most of us give nothing to Jesus as a gift on the day that is supposed represent HIS birthday? So why are the gifts larger to each other than to Jesus? Christmas and New Year celebrations can and should be held in behalf of those who are helpless. God is glorified when we give to help those who have large families to support. {AH 482.3} “SHALL WE HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE?" Is a Christmas tree sinful by itself? NO !!! It is what you do with that Christmas Tree that makes the sin. The sin lies in the motive which prompts to action and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree. Remember we said a tree is not sinful of itself. So, it is your thoughts and actions in relation to that tree that makes it sinful or not sinful. Is a pen by itself sinful? — NO !!!! It is what you do with that pen that determines whether it is sinful or to the glory of God. Is a computer sinful by itself? — NO !!!! It’s what you do with that computer that determines whether it is sinful or to the glory of God. Is a PowerPoint sinful by itself? — NO !!!! It is what you do with that computer that determines whether it is sinful or to the glory of God. I can use these objects for good or for bad. Is this Santa Claus or Father Christmas sinful? Does he cause us to commit sin? A RESOUNDING — YES What about this guy? What do the commandments tell us in the Bible? Exodus 20:3-4 KJV 1ST COMMANDMENT [3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me. This means I can make a God of anything, like money, cars, work or even statues because he second commandment states: Exodus 20:3-4 KJV 2nd Commandment [4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: With out any doubt he is the world’s largest idol !!! In other words is SANTA sinful because he is an idol, thus causing us to sin when we invite him into any part of our lives including our homes etc ……!!! What about this guy? The answer to this question is a resounding: YES What about this guy? He is an idol. And probably the world’s largest idol. Satan is just so cunning. He causes men to invent attractive idols to take us away into indol worship. What about this guy? Is there a man or idol that has taken the place of Jesus today? Is there and idol the counterfeits Jesus Christ and most people are not aware? What about this guy? The answer is obvious it is: What about this guy? The answer is obvious it is: YES !!! What about this guy? It has become a matter of: What about this guy? I want us to take a look at Jesus vs Santa according to the Bible. Let us see what’s wrong with Santa Claus or father Xmas and why he usurps Christ’s position. Dr. John Stith Pemberton (chemist) began experimenting to produce a non-alcoholic alternative to his French Wine, Coca, and he ended up with a syrup, made of cane sugar and extracts of coca leaves and cola nuts (caffeine & cocaine). It became a very effective a cough mixture. The opiates in it would stop any cough. On May 8, 1886, the soft drink was first sold to the public at the soda fountain in Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, for five cents a glass. It came about when the Drugstore owner Dr. John Stith Pemberton was fed up with a very annoying customer. This person annoyed him so much that when he came to get his next soda he poured cough mixture / non alcoholic wine into the glass and topped it up with soda. This Dr. John Stith Pemberton thought that would fix this annoying customer and stop him coming back all the time and annoying him. But to John Pemberton’s surprise this customer came time and time again demanding the same drink. It’s popularity grew at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, even at 5c a glass. A company came along and did a deal with John Pemberton for $25 silver dollars to gain the recipe for this drink. This was the Coca-Cola company. This drink contained opiates like cocaine. No wonder it became so popular, you got hooked on it. By 1931 the Coca-Cola company was experiencing slow sales at Christmas. They engaged “The Haddon Sundblom Advertising Agency” to promote Coca-Cola over Christmas. The advertising agency added the story of the Dutch “SinterKlaas”. This story was a 4th Century Adaptation of St Nicholas. So Coca Cola with Haddon Sundblom invented Santa Claus. This is an actual likeness to the Dutch “SinterKlaas”. The Dutch to this day still use and observe this on the night of the Fifth Morning of the sixth of December each year. In fact in their town you are not allowed to put up a image or iodol of Santa until after the 6th of December each year. Santa Claus vs. Sinterklaas. ... Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of, among other things, children. The figure of Santa Claus, and his role during Christmas, is largely based on the Dutch Sinterklaas. However, there are some differences between the two. On the night before the 6th December, St Nicholas supposedly came and gave gifts to the children. The advertising agency added the story of the Dutch “SinterKlaas” to their image they wanted use for promotion. This story was a 4th Century Adaptation of St Nicholas. They transferred this story to the new effigy called Santa Claus instead of the Dutch name SinterKlaas. They dressed the little fat man in the company colours – red & white. Was Santa in your house last Christmas? Will this Santa be in your house this Christmas? FATHER XMAS was around before SANTA but now when you ask someone: Who is Father XMAS? They will proudly tell you SANTA CLAUS. We now have a gigantic problem!!! In the world today Christ has been replaced …… by SANTA CLAUS every Christmas. And we should not be happy about that!!! I guess Jesus would not be happy either. The World’s greatest counterfeit of Jesus Christ has been achieved and most either don’t care or are oblivious to the fact. Ignorance is no excuse for the breaking of God’s Law. The counterfeit is commonly called deception, meaning the people are being deceived. Are you thinking what’s the harm? Well let’s look at a few points. There is a great sin or harm in idol worship. Have you ever stopped to think about how similar Jesus and Santa are? You’d better watch out, You’d better not cry, You’d better not pout I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice; Santa Claus is coming to town! He sees you when you’re sleeping, He knows when you’re awake, He knows if you’ve been bad or good; so be good for goodness sake!” What about their ages? How old is Jesus? 1 Timothy 1:17 KJV [17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Isaiah 9:7 KJV [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. …… Jesus has always been and will always be …… ageless !!! He had no beginning and he has no end. How old is Santa? If you listen to the stories parents tell their children he has been around forever, not only that, but he will NEVER die. The Bible says that Jesus has been since the beginning, and always will be. I want you to make a note of the fact that Jesus is called the Everlasting Father in Isaiah: Isaiah 9:6 KJV [6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Santa is called Father Christmas and supposedly lives forever. But what about Santa living forever? Romans 5:12 KJV [12] Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 3:23 KJV [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Psalms 53:3 KJV [3] Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Philippians 4:6 KJV [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. The Bible says that if we want something or need something that we should ask God for it. So, why do we get our children to make requests of a make-believe Santa? Would you teach your children to worship this make-believe Santa? James 4:3 KJV [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. amiss = diseased, evil, grievously, miserably or wrong motive. God wants us to pray to him, not write lists to people that aren’t real. James 4:3 says: If we ask and do not receive then we are asking with the wrong motives. What is the motivation behind writing a wish list to Santa? This teaches children to covet, and coveting is a sin against the 10th Commandment. Exodus 20:17 KJV [17] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. The greatest lie you can give to your children is to tell them about the attributes of Santa that he usurps from Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:13 KJV [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Jesus Sees all things and nothing can be hid from His eyes. Why let the children think Santa is as great as Jesus. This in itself is a blaspheme when you allow Santa usurp Christ. Psalms 33:13-15 KJ2000 [13] The LORD looks from heaven; he beholds all the sons of men. [14] From the place of his habitation he looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth. [15] He fashions their hearts alike; he considers all their works. Why do we teach our kids the legend that Santa can see us all the time. They are taught he sees us when we’re sleeping and knows when we’re awake. He watches over little kids all year round. Revelation 20:12 KJ2000 [12] …… and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:15 KJ2000 [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Both Santa & Jesus Christ make lists or notes about us. Revelation says: …… anyone that was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire. If you are not on Santa’s list all you miss out on is some gifts. I would much rather receive the gift of eternal life than a temporary gift that will not give me eternal life. Surely you would prefer that for the children also. We should give greater thought to the children than we do when we teach them a lie. Santa’s myth says that if we are naughty then we won’t get anything for Christmas. In other words Santa requires obedience. But so does Jesus. Titus 2:9 KJV [9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 1 Peter 1:14 KJV [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: In Santa’s world there is no forgiveness of sin. But under Jesus we learn something precious in 1 John 1:9 …… 1 John 1:9 KJV [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But Santa says if your naughty no GIFTS. In Santa’s world there is no forgiveness. Santa says, be good or no prezzies. Romans 6:23 KJV [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus says if we confess our sins He will give us the gift of life. Santa says if we are good we will get a temporary Present. 2 Timothy 4:8 KJV [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Revelation 22:12 KJV [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Santa steals the rewards and says I will bring you gifts. The similarities are abounding. Santa brings his rewards and this tries to usurp Christ’s rewards. He can only do this if you let him. Both Jesus and Santa come as a thief in the night. When does Santa come? At night. He comes and is gone before anyone ever knows. Kind of like a thief in the night …… Not only that, but in one night he visits every house with children in the world. How is that possible? Many believe that he lives outside of normal time. Jesus comes as a thief in the night and so does Santa. This means you do not know when Jesus is coming just like you don’t when the thief is coming in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 KJV [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Revelation 1:14 KJV [14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; Both Santa and Jesus have white hair like wool and as white as snow. Isaiah 50:6 KJV [6] I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Both Jesus and Santa had a beard. But you’ll notice Santa always seems to dodge the shame and spitting. Isaiah 63:1-2 KJV [1] Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Isaiah 63:1-2 KJV [2] Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? What does Santa look like? He has white hair with a beard and wears red. Look at all of those similarities! But there are still more! Matthew 19:14 KJV [14] But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus wants the children to come to him - Jesus wants the children to come to him, to accept him. Who does Santa target? Yes - the kids. Then the Bible tells us: Jesus wants the children to come to him John 19:37-38 KJV [37] And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. Jesus wants the children to come to him [38] And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. Jesus wants the children to come to him. Who you behold you worship. Don’t let the children look upon a false Jesus counterfeit Jesus. Jesus wants the children to come to him. The little ones look upon Santa and they believe. But only because you encourage them to. Jesus wants the children to come to him, so disappoint him. Matthew 28:19 KJV [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: We are supposed to go into the world and share Christ. Many of us have a hard time with that. But when it comes to Santa, we have no problem being a disciple for him. We dress up like him, and make sure not to damage his image. God is a Jealous God: Exodus 20:3-5 KJV [3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; God is Jealous of us when we look to idols. He doesn’t want to share any part of us with Santa or any other idol in this world. He designed us to love him so He could love us. He wants us to give our devotion to him, but what do we do? We give it to SANTA. 2 Corinthians 11:2 KJV [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Why do we ignore God and chase after SANTA? Romans 1:25 KJV [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Santa is a created thing, a lie. Jesus is the truth, and will be forever. Many of us have become like these people in Romans. We have exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. I would ask you to think of the children and remember these words. I am praying that you and your house will serve the LORD this season - and not the idols of this world like SANTA Will you do this for God? MY RESPONSE TO CHRIST IS: □ YES □ UNDECIDED Email us at: admin@thebiblesays.net