I think this is what got me thinking about how much symbolism there is between Santa and the Savior. (Leslie, I would LOVE to borrow your book about this!) In any case, here's what I came up with one day while thinking about it. I'd love any additions the rest of you have:
- Santa makes everyone happy; the Savior offers happiness to everyone as well
- We know Santa is watching, even when we don't see him; we know Christ can see our actions even when we don't see Him
- Santa comes in the night; the Savior will come before he is expected (shown by the parable of the 10 virgins)
- Santa loves everyone and gives gifts to those who deserve them; the Savior loves everyone and rewards those who use their agency well
- Santa makes a list; the Savior has our names in the book of life
- Santa gives gifts; the Savior gave the greatest gifts of all - repentance and eternal life
- Santa dresses in red and white; the Savior's colors could be red (blood) and white (purity)
- Santa has reindeer who lead his sled -- although Santa tells them where to go; the Savior has prophets and apostles who lead His church today -- although the Savior tells them what to do and say
- Santa lives in the North Pole, which is a wonderland and every child's dream; the Savior lives in the heavens and promises us a Celestial kingdom that is the greatest thing we could imagine
- Santa is always thinking of others; the Savior is always thinking of others
- Santa listens when we tell him what we want; the Savior listens every time we pray
10 comments:
This is basically what that book says too. ITs a cute book. Ill bring it over later today when I dare leave the house again!
I loved this post! You have inspired me to take time to think about meaningful things during my busy day.... instead of just wondering what I should make for dinner. :) Do you mind if I borrow your thoughts about Santa and the Savior for FHE tonight? It would go perfectly with what I already have planned!
Theresa, have at it! I owe you for proving from your experience that I'll grow to love any name we choose. :)
Great post, I think I'll use it for family home evening tonight. I'm not crazy about Santa being a big part of Christmas, but this brings some symbolism to it. Thanks!
We talked about this tonight at FHE and when I asked if we could think of any others Davy said "Some people don't believe in Santa because they don't see him, just like Jesus"
I buy a book every christmas for our family and this is the book I bought this year. I love it!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about Santa. Honestly we've completely written Santa off as a distraction from the Savior, though I would never get mad at his appearance at a party.
We talk about Santa being associated with Christmas to our kids on passing like saying, "Do you want to go to Storytime with Santa at the library?" or "It sounds like Santa's bells!" when they ring bells; but we have not told them that he's coming to our house to leave gifts.
Thanks for the parallels.
Love,
Melissa
Liz~ Your boy sure is smart!
Melissa~ We also never told our kids Santa was coming, but once they get in school they catch on pretty quickly. That's why I decided this year that I'm really going to make sure the kids realize that Santa's main purpose is to remind us of Christ.
By the way, if you're ever called to the activities committee, you could have an adult Christmas dinner and leave the Breakfast with Santa question for the Primary to consider for their activity. That's what our ward has done for the last couple of years. I like the family party idea but it seems like in California there are a lot of 'adult only' parties.
Sister Hinckley loved Santa. I read how she would tell the kids they had better be good. So I figure Santa is a alright guy.
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