Real Life For Your Heart
Jesus Christ VS Santa Clause
Jesus Christ VS Santa Clause
Hello everyone. As you prepare for Christmas, what are important things you do to make your Christmas special? If you made out a list of the most important to the least important, what would it look like? Would individuals be kept off your list? Does the Christmas season excite you? Does the Christmas season depress you? Read the real reason Christmas should be important in your life (Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-25). Here are some interesting facts about the holiday season.
Both Jesus and Santa Claus were known for their history of giving gifts. The presentation of gifts associated with Jesus began at his birth. According to the Bible, upon arriving at the birthplace of Jesus, the wise men presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Every knee will bow to Jesus, not Santa. (Philippians 2:10). You might think, "Pastor Todd, lighten up a little, we know where Jesus stands in comparison to Santa Claus!" Really, keep reading.
***In the name of Santa Claus, American consumers shop on Thanksgiving Day and every day thereafter until Christmas Eve. According to Shopper Trak and Adobe, shoppers spent roughly $12.1 billion on Thanksgiving, and on Black Friday sales at retail stores and $4.5 billion in online sales. Adobe noted that Cyber Monday online sales set a record topping $3 billion.
“Big business is the leading force of our nation during Christmas and throughout the year,” said Smith-Pollard. “It’s not ethics. It’s not faith. It’s not morality, and it’s not values. The survey revealed that while nine in 10 Americans take part in the holiday that theologically commemorates the birth of Jesus, only about half actually see it as a religious celebration. "Does this answer some of your questions?" I love Christmas time. I just think we have to remember to not allow Jesus to get lost in all the commercialization of Christmas. Simply put, don't allow Jesus to get lost in Christmas (Philippians 3:7-14). Read more below to see if you'll change your list for next year.
Some more fun facts about Jesus and Santa
1) JESUS vs. SANTA
Santa Clause lives at the North Pole.
Jesus is everywhere (Psalm 34:18; Acts 17:27,28; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7-12; Jeremiah 23:23,24; Isaiah 6:3).
Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water (Revelation 1:7,8; Mark 13:26; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 14:25-29).
2) What they carry:
Santa- Carries many gifts for everyone. His gifts eventually wear out.
Jesus- Carried only one gift, the cross, for everyone. His gift is eternal and never wears out (Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11,12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Jude 21).
3) Their attendance:
Santa- Comes but once a year.
Jesus is present everyday (Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 13:5; Proverbs 15:3).
4) Their filling:
Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
Jesus supplies all your needs (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:30-34; Psalm 24:1).
5) How they visit:
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited (Revelation 3:20; John 10:1-15; 14:23).
6) Better appointments
You have to wait in line to see Santa.
Jesus is as close as the mention of his name (Matthew 14:28-32; 19:13-15; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 33:3).
7) More intimate relationship:
Santa lets you sit on his lap. (Once a year)
Jesus lets you rest in his arms (John 13:23-25; Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 73:23,24).
8) Better name recognition:
Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”
Jesus knew our name before we were born. Not only does he know our name, but he also knows our address too. He knows our history and future and he even knows how many hairs are on our heads (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 12:7; Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 91:14; Revelation 2:12,13; Psalm 139:1-4;).
9) Bigger description:
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
Jesus has a heart full of love (John 3:16; 11:34-36; 14:21; 1 John 4:6-19; Romans 5;5).
10) The greater offer for life:
All Santa can offer is HO, HO, HO. Maybe some Eggnog.
Jesus offers health, help and hope (John 10:10; 3 John 2; Psalm 38:15; 42:5; 1 Peter 1:21).
11) Cares about every emotion:
Santa says, “You better not cry."
Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.” (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; 95:7,8; Philippians 4:6; Revelation 21:4).
12) Making things better:
Santa’s little helpers make toys…
Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions (Revelation 21:5; Jeremiah 30:17-19; 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 6:2; 34:20; Proverbs 16:24).
13) Who gives lasting Joy:
Santa may make you chuckle.
Jesus gives you joy that is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10; Thessalonians 1:6; Philemon 20).
14) Best place for our gifts.
Santa puts gifts under your tree. Eventually they get moved to another place.
Jesus became our gift and died on a tree, the cross. His life was moved but rose from the dead. Now we are alive in him (Romans 5:10;16-21; 6:23; 8:9-11; John 5:24; Colossians 3:3).
Jesus is still the true reason.
KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Would you like to know Jesus? Please go to the drop-down page "How to know Jesus" and read with your heart. God understands your heart.
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***Online Page
Merry Christmas Everyone!
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Pastor Todd Boxley
Try Jesus Ministry
