Revelation 22:15
For without are dogs, and sorcerers,
and whoremongers, and murderers,
and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

1 Corinthians 10:19-22
What say I then? that the idol is any thing,
or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice,
they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils:
ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

By Mary E. Stephens

If you have not read the first page of this challenge, you might wish to do so.

Enough has been said and written about Santa Claus to prove that he is a charlatan and an anti-christ figure. The fact that there are so many Christians who include him in their traditions is a sad thing since he is a lie and they are participating in making that lie exist.  We have known more than one respectable Christian family who generally tried to honor the Lord with their lives, and yet for some strange reason they taught their kids to believe in Santa Claus.  Some even went so far as to set out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve.  I had one friend who was saved out of a tradition-full Lutheran background tell me that her father used to go outside after they were in bed and make sled and reindeer "prints" in the snow for them to find in the morning!

Seriously, folks, is it wise to lie to your children about Santa Claus and then expect them to believe the truth about the birth of Jesus Christ? Doesn't that seem like muddying the waters at very best?  And, this is beside the fact that when you credit Santa with bringing gifts you are cheating your children of knowing that you gave them the gifts you worked hard for and perhaps sacrificed for.  Why give the credit to some magical troll?  Really.  You can do without him!

"But, what about the stockings and all our Santa decorations?" some might say.  Well, what about them?  My family did stockings back in the day without ever believing in Santa Claus!  Yes, we did.  You can too.  Also, what about just doing without that one tradition?  And, as to the decorations and all the trappings that relate to Santa, it is possible to do without that as well.  Remember, he is a lie.  In fact, in some countries his reputation is quite different than the jolly old elf that has been created for American marketing.  In Europe there are some aspects to his history that should shock some good, godly American Christians.

By the way, it is no surprise that Santa Claus should have been transformed into such an adorable and desirable figure, ...for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

So, what to replace him with?  Need you ask? :-)  Yes, Jesus Christ!  The one you are supposed to be celebrating at this event in the first place!  Why substitute a lie like Santa Claus for the Way, the Truth and the Life?!  No man can come unto the Father except by Jesus Christ, and if you are observing His birthday, why would you include a lie in the events?  Is it not confusion?

It saddens me to see Christians who don't even lie to their children about Santa Claus still including him in their celebrations.  How is it appropriate for the kiddies to be wearing "Santa's Helper" shirts or hats?  How is it helpful to display a "singing Santa" in the living room?  It would be so much better to make something that relates to the King of kings if you truly desire to honor Him.  Why not some appropriate Bible verses prominently displayed instead?  And, to replace that cute Santa cookie jar - maybe an innocuous snowman.

If you think that Santa Claus is so important that you just cannot give him up, you need to consider that verse at the top again.  Is he an idol to you?  If he is too important to your "holiday spirit" - which is supposed to be about Jesus Christ - then it seems to me that he is an idol.  And, don't forget the phrase about those who love and make a lie.  Santa Claus is a lie.  Do you love him?  Are you making this lie a reality to your children?  God forbid!

Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Surely it is offensive to lie to the little children, especially in the context of Jesus' birth.

Dear ones for Christ's sake, please beware.   Please consider prayerfully before the Lord your use of this idol of the season.  God will help you, and I pray He will bless you also if you do get rid of Santa!

background and small graphics by Mary E. Stephens
vintage graphics: source unknown
Created Dec. 2011
Updated 2022