Isn’t Santa ClausAcceptable?

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

II Corinthians 9:7

• Santa Claus is based on Christian principles and The example of Christian men: Unselfish giving, loving nature, and devotion to duty

• Root?– St. Nicholas of Bari

• Son of wealthy parents• Born in 300’s AD in Patara, Lycia

( currently part of Turkey)• When his parents died, he inherited all of the money and distributed to the

needy in his hometown• Archbishop of Myra in his twenties• Known for his generosity• Claimed as a patron saint• Died in Dec. 6 in late 340’s or early

350’s• Nicholas’ Day on Dec 6, celebration

– Duke of Borivoy• Born in Bohemia in 907• At fifteen he became a leader based on trust, faith, &

mercy• Murdered by his twin brother in 929 when

he was 22 years old• Song, “Good Wenceslas” was written concern-

ing the duke

• Santa in other countries– In Germany – Weinachtsman, or Christmas Man

» He was the principal hero of the Christmas, but rather a helper to Christ child and helped distributing gifts to children

– In France – Pere Noel took over Nicholas’s job » He brings special cake, cookies, or candy and place

them in children’ shoes

– In Russia – Father Frost distributes toys in January– In England – Father Christmas

– More than 150 years passed since St. Nickwas not mentioned in America after the

Puritans banned St. Nick

30 years later, Americans recognized St. Nicholas as a patron saint. English-speaking children found Sinterklaas, Dutch name for St. Nick strange. They pronounced Santy Claus and it became Americanized, but eventually it evolved as Santa Claus.

Washington Irving wrote A History of New York and described Santa Claus as a round little man in Dutch costume up to his knee traveling in flying horse-drawn wagon.

– Clement Clarke Moore , a bishop of the Episcopal church in New York City and professor at General Theological Seminary, wrote “The Night Before Christmas”.He helped established the tradition that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, not on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day or Jan. 6, the day of Epiphany.

Nast in 1869Sundblom in 1959

While the appearances of Santa Claus were invented by men, Santa’s heart and spirit were inspired by the love and generosity of men such as St. Nicholas and Wenceslas. Praise God for people who reach out to help the needy.