In Roman times Christians started a festival to compete with the pagan celebration of the winter solstice.

Christians won and for centuries the pagan celebration was forgotten.

Today the competition for attention is on again between the new pagan god of materialism, “Santa Claus” and our Saviour
Jesus.

Newspapers and shops, motivated by money, promote the god Santa Claus. Some, embarrassed by the name of our
Saviour, use ’Xmas’ rather than ‘Christmas’

’Political-correctors’ in some countries are trying to stop nativity scenes and Christmas carols in public places and schools. Western visitors to a Japanese hotel were shocked a few years back when they woke up on Christmas day to find in the lobby a special display of Santa Claus nailed to a cross! The owner was muddled about the religious holiday and honestly thought it would impress his visitors.

Some Christians have suggested we abandon the holiday to the pagans since it was originally the date of a pagan holiday. Should we follow them? No! people are going to celebrate anyway this time of year.

It is a question of who they celebrate: Santa Claus or Jesus Christ?

Let’s encourage everyone to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus this Christmas. Let’s reclaim the day to put Jesus first.

In 2003, the SA Advertising Standards authority ruled that the Post Office would not promote sending letters to Santa Claus because it was spreading a lie. Good for them.

Why is Christ’s birth important to celebrate this Christmas? Because it reminds us of the day when God became a man. The creator of the universe chose to enter the world humbly as a baby because we needed His help to save us from the sin, the devil, the world and the judgment of God. The first and only person to be born without a human father.

But the main reason people need to know about Him is that all of us need Him. Unlike Santa, He is not dead but still alive.

If you have not already done so, consider praying a prayer similar to this: “Dear Jesus, I admit I am a sinner. I believe You came into the world; died for my sin and rose again. I am ready to turn from my sin and follow you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive my sin and come into my life right now. I give up my life to Your control. Thank you for my new relationship with you.”

How can you promote Christ this Christmas?

* When you write the word CHRISTmas, highlight the word “Christ”.
* Choose Christmas cards with a Christ-centred message, if you can find them.
* Include devotional time in your family Christmas celebrations.
* Teach your kids Santa Claus is dead and
Jesus is alive!
* Play or sing Christmas carols at your Christmas party.
* Don’t be intimidated by ‘political
correctors’. Celebrate Jesus everywhere you want to.
* Tell your relatives why Christ is important to you in Christmas.
* Invite unconverted friends to come with you to church this Christmas.