After reading this message, check out a great christian search engine: Cybergrace
" You shall have no other Gods before Me. "
" You shall not make for yourself a CARVED IMAGE--ANY LIKENESS OF ANYTHING THAT IS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, OR THAT IS IN THE EARTH BENEATH, OR THAT IS IN THE WATER UNDER THE EARTH; "
" ...YOU SHALL NOT WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH SUCH THINGS! "
( Exodus 20:3-6 and Deuteronomy 12:4 )It has been far too common, in human history, to take a devout christian person,- and turn them into a mythical god. Saint Nicholas is an example of this tendency.
The man known as Saint Nicholas, was Nicholas of Myra. He was a real person, born in about 280 AD. Nicholas was born into a prosperous christian family, but his parents died when he was quite young. He received a good inheritance, but gave most of it away, without calling any attention to himself. Under the evil emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned and tortured for this faith. He was released soon after the emperor Constantine came to power, and became a bishop of considerable influence in the early church. Like many of this ancient time, it is difficult to determine precisely details of his birth, life and death, but it is well accepted that Nicholas was a very good, and devout, christian gentleman.
It is important to indicate what the man, we call Saint Nicholas, was not. He was not one to be a part of public displays. He did not dress up in a fancy costume. He did not inspire people to spend money that they can't afford on foolisness. He did not give,- out of a sense of duty. He gave as unto the Lord. Nicholas did not beg for money. AND, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, HE DIDN'T INSPIRE PARENTS TO LIE TO THEIR CHILDREN. It is an outrageous insult to this fine man, that people have turned him into this evil idol called Santa Claus.
As I have mentioned before, when I was a very young child, I was told by my parents that a big man in a red suit with white trim brought us presents by coming in a sleigh hauled by reindeer, and climbing down our chimney. Cookies and milk were left for him, and lo and behold, the milk and cookies were gone, when I got up on Christmas morning. Later, I learned from friends, and eventually from my parents, that this Santa Claus was a complete lie. My parents had lied to me! My friends had told me the truth! Guess who I turned to,- to learn about sex, morality,- all the important things a person needs to know in life. My friends, of course! They had told me the truth. MY PARENTS HAD LIED TO ME!
Parents, listen to me. A LIE IS A LIE! It is not cute. It is a sin that can put you in hell for all eternity. If you have been lying to your children about Santa Claus, stop it right now. Don't buy Santa Claus decorations and statues. Eventually the money hungry merchants will get the message. IF YOU HAVE BEEN LYING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA CLAUS, ASK THEM FOR THEIR FORGIVENESS,- AND ASK GOD'S FORGIVENESS. You may be able to repair some of the damage, which you have created. You may be able to restore the trust that is so important in a family.
Most important of all: Time and energy spent on the Santa Claus lie, is time and energy that should be spent worshipping the one who died on the cross for your sins,- so that you could spend eternal life in heaven, and not in hell. Did Santa Claus die for your sins? God is calling you to repent of this sinful practice, while you still have time.
Christmas is a wonderful time,- a time when we should honor our Savior, and share God's love with one another. Don't spoil it by disobeying God's commandment about lying. God isn't interested in your " feelings " about things. He expects you to obey His commandments,- not doing what you feel like. Don't be one of the ones, that the angels of God will cast into hell at the great white throne judgement!
We welcome the opportunity to minister to you. If your church, cell group, or Bible study, in Gulf County or Bay County, in the Florida panhandle, needs a Wed. eve. speaker, let us know. Send us an e-mail. We are now headquartered in your area!
