“There are three stages of a man’s life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus.”  Author Unknown

What did you feel when you were told that Santa wasn’t real?

The Savior–yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!  (Luke 2:11; NLT)

Do you believe in Santa Clause?  At this time of year, believe in him or not, it sure is hard to ignore jolly old St. Nick, for certainly a significant portion of the attention of the season is directed his way even though he is NOT the reason for the season.

As a result of the above paradox, this time of year brings forth the ongoing debates about whether or not this should be so.  No doubt you’ve heard, and perhaps engaged in some of them yourself.  How should a Christian respond to Santa Clause?

Over the weekend, the Pastor of Student Ministries at our church, Adrian Schoonmaker, wrote a fascinating entry in his blog that I found to be a very sane and balanced response to that ongoing question.  Before I lead you to his blog, allow me to tell you just a bit about Pastor Adrian.

Adrian and Joyce now have three very young children.  This is a family that we have been very blessed to know quite well.  Adrian is one of the most passionate youth ministers I have ever known and who has a heart to reach what many would label the unreachable “street kids.”  The young people Adrian has pastored all seem to take great delight in going to improbable and seemingly impossible settings like the beach to talk about Jesus to those they meet.  They embody the notion of the church being “out there” rather than “in here.”

I say all that to assure you that what you are about to read regarding Santa was not written by a “luke-warm” Christian who is looking for ways to integrate the world into his Christianity.  Au contraire, Adrian is one who consistently seeks ways to integrate his faith into the world.  With that as a background, enjoy his message by visiting today’s link.

Prayer Power
Lord, we thank You for young ministry families such as Adrian and Joyce.  They are a truly a blessing and an inspiration to us all.  They are called to minister in a world that most of us don’t begin to understand.  We pray for Your favor and guidance to be on them as they answer Your call.

Link of the Day
Santa Rocks!

Blessings on you as you go into this season, remembering Who it is really all about.