Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of Santa. He was a very magical part of my childhood, and his name is a very effective motivator around here during the holidays. Today my children got a message from Santa reminding them to be good. They nodded wide-eyed and recomitted themselves to a life of polite obedience.
I started thinking about the difference between Santa and Jesus. Here’s the thing. On Santa’s plan, if I mess up, I run the risk of not getting what I wish for. He’s kind of jolly about it and all, and come next year, he’ll give me another chance, but when it comes right down to it… it’s a completely saved-by-works-alone kind of plan.
Jesus, on the other hand, isn’t so winking and ho-ho-ho jolly, but he’s just so much more . . . well, real. He expects the best from us, but understands our human foibles. And even when we make mistakes, even when we’re downright stupid, he still kind of blesses us. He extends mercy without judgment and love without condition. I mean, sure, he’s a “judge,” but not in measuring out love or assistance. He will help us any time we let him, even when we’ve been naughty. When we don’t qualify for a single gift, he still offers us the greatest gifts that can ever be given: grace, mercy, forgiveness. Santa’s a toy maker; Jesus is a joy maker.
So Santa Claus is cool and all, but I love Jesus best.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Diapers and Divinity 
Perfect. Merry Christmas1
Well said. Thank you. 🙂
I love Jesus more as well! Thank you for saying it so perfectly.
Santa gives us gifts and presents.
Jesus gives us the gift of His Presence.
I know which I’d rather have.
Amen, sister.
Good point; interesting perspective. It makes me think of the book I’m reading Drive by Daniel Pink. He talks about if-then motivation (Santa) vs. Intrinsic motivation (Jesus) and how the latter is better. kind of like what you said…
You just have such a way of saying things. Thanks for sharing, and Merry Christmas!
Love this. Perfectly articulated. Go Jesus! =D
Amen to that one!
Have a Merry Christmas 🙂
Thank you for that Stephanie. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
The Santa threats have not been working in our family. But as wound up as everyone is – I dont like the fruits of Santa. It is all about material goods. I like the fruits of the spirit much better. I am ready to ban Santa.
We haven’t had Santa for almost 9 years now…I don’t miss him. My kids don’t miss him either. (which is a blessing)
Your post was well said and very aplicable. Thanks for the perspective.
It is funny that you post this today. I was having a discussion last night with some of the leaders in our Young Women, I am an adviser.
We were trying to figure out things for the coming year. We were talking about our girls and Christmas, and how that in other wards they have Santa. The girls were upset that we didn’t. In ours they do the 3 wise men that brought gifts.
She made a point about Santa that made me think. It is the spirit of giving and sometimes people don’t understand the gospel and life enough to move onto the “meat” of things, they still need the “milk”. I think that is how Santa is sometimes he is the “milk” of giving where Jesus is the “meat” of giving.
I hope that made sense. Thanks for a great post….like always.
Santa is magical. Jesus is real and provides much more than gifts and forced goodness. Your comparison was well said.
Great post! Somebody once told me that unconditional love doesn’t exsist. How little they know the Savior!
I’m often reminding myself of The Savior’s mercy and unconditional love, when I go about my parental and spousal duties. What a perfect example of how to give unconditional love to our families and to all others!
I love it! Merry Christmas!
Oh wow Steph, I’d never thought of it in terms and somehow, put like that, it’s just so staggering and heart touching. Thank you so much for sharing those sweet thoughts with us!
I am so grateful that we get to celebrate Christ at this time of the year, and every day! We are truly blessed to have him close to our hearts!
I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog throughout the year. Thanks for all your effort you make to put up fun posts and the GCBC!!
You know I hear you on this one. 😉
What a thoughtful comparison of Santa and Jesus. I had never thought of it that way!