Dealing with Santa issues as a Christian
Q: After I started following Jesus Christ I told my son 7 years old that Santa and Elf is not real. I told him what Christmas is all about and still give loves, gifts and be thankful to Jesus. I hate I lied my son about it. Christmas should be taught to him about Jesus, & ashamed it takes glory away from our Lord. My son is very excited about Christmas and he loves it as much I do.
I had told my son not to tell others kids and he told my nephew about it. I think the nephew is upset (base on my mother tone) that he shared the truth.
I’d pray to Lord repentung of everything I’ve done. Nut, I felt horrible and my family is really upset at me. Any godly counsel and words?
A: Truth is truth. We adults need to speak truth. We are called to. God hates liars. Also, Jesus said he came to bring a sword. That members of our own family will hate us (and some may turn us over for persecution and death). So if they persecuted you by their negativity so be it. Still be loving toward them.
Kids are innocent and share what they know. He was really shocked to learn, so he likey genuinely wanted to know if his parents had told him the truth yet. My sister lied to her son about it too and I mentioned it a extended family Christmas 8 yrs ago, when he was 12, in a general convo happening in the room (with him there), and he had no idea. He had his bubble burst. I was shocked (!) that my sister was still lying to him at that age, and that all those yrs no other kids at school told him. He didn't go to church much but he did at Christmas sometimes, but he never connected the dots. One reason kids leave the faith after high school is because of these kinds of things, and inability to connect dots or even ask questions. They're blind and don't understand the Gospel (even if they pray a prayer -as they just want to go to a good place in Heaven). Parents and churches fail to teach the basic foundational truths and apologetical faq so their faith is solidified; and hold to truth in facts. How can kids trust their parents if they lie.
Use this as an opportunity to talk about Jesus (who is the real reason for the season) and his follower Kris Kringle (who Santa was based on). "Saving Christmas" movie explains it and is fine to show to kids, also share comic Gospel video at needGod.com with the kids too.
Here are some things you should also understand about Christmas. It also has activities (and other videos) and ideas to for the Christmas season. 😊✨️
God bless
