Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 4

 ~ Consider Critical Differences ~

Location  ~  santa claus lives at the North Pole. 

Jesus Christ is omnipresent (everywhere at once).  “‘Am I a God near at hand,’ says the Lord, ‘And not a God afar off?  Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?’ says the Lord; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:23-24).

Physical Characteristics  ~  santa claus has “a bowl full of jelly.” 

Jesus Christ has a heart full of love.   “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.  God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).

Availability  ~  santa claus is only available once a year. 

Jesus Christ is always available and willing to help.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).  “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).

Access  ~  santa claus enters your home through your chimney. 

Jesus Christ is at the door to His Kingdom waiting for your acceptance of His invitation.  “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep…  I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture…  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:7, 9, 10b).

Timeliness  ~  santa claus requires you to wait in a line to see him. 

Jesus Christ is instantly available for those who call upon His name.  “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:12-14b)

Interaction  ~  santa claus allows you to sit on his lap. 

Jesus Christ carries you, allows you to rest in His arms, and shelters you.  Jesus said, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:4-6).  “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27a).   “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!  For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1).

Intimacy  ~  santa claus asks, “And what is your name?”  

Jesus Christ knew your name before you were born.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

Jesus Christ knows all about you—every detail—even how many hairs are on your head.  Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore” (Luke 12:7a).

Instructions  ~  santa claus warns, “You better not cry.” 

Jesus Christ asks you to give him all your cares.  “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Movement  ~  santa claus rides on a sleigh. 

Jesus Christ walks on water.  “…the disciples saw Him walking on the sea… those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:26, 33).

Supplies  ~  santa claus fills your stockings with presents and goodies.

 Jesus Christ supplies all your needs.  “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b)

Builds  ~  santa claus requires many little helpers to make gifts. 

Jesus Christ personally mends broken homes, wounded hearts, and gives an entirely new life.  He is also preparing mansions for us.  Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  And, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-4).

Offers  ~  santa claus says, “Ho, Ho, Ho.” 

Jesus Christ is “Holy, Holy, Holy!” (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). 

Gifts  ~  santa claus puts gifts under your Christmas tree. 

Jesus Christ gave us the gift of salvation by dying on a tree.  Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:14-17).

santa claus is jolly and chuckles. 

Jesus Christ provides a true inner joy which becomes your strength.  “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

Real vs. Fiction  ~  The most important difference of all!  Have you ever heard of any wide-spread anti santa claus groups.  The reason they don’t exist is they know those are fictional characters.  On the other hand, Jesus Christ is attacked because He is real—and to admit He is real has consequences!

additional note  ~  If you appreciated this post you might like previous posts entitled “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ” (December 24, 2015), “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 2” (December 25, 2016), and “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 3” (December 24, 2017).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 3

~ Take Note of 3 Critically Important Differences ~

Giving Difference  ~  Carefully consider the difference in the giving of gifts. 

santa claus:  Gives conditionally—you better be good all year long to receive a present from him. 

Jesus Christ:  Gives unconditionally—regardless of whether you have been “naughty or nice” His blessings and the gift of salvation are available to you—but you have to intentionally accept His gift.  It is all by grace (receiving something good which you don’t deserve). 

Seasonal Difference  ~  How do the seasons compare?

santa claus:  Have you ever seen Santa Claus ho-ho-ho-ing around Valentine’s Day?  Other than Christmas, he will feel so out of place the entire rest of the year. 

Jesus Christ:  Whatever season the year brings, He fits perfectly anytime, anywhere.  He is available to non-Christians for salvation year round.  He is always with Christians.

Genuineness Difference  ~  Consider the difference of their existence.

santa claus:  He is fantasy… a fictional character. 

Jesus Christ:  He is real!  There is far more evidence of His life on earth and the things He said and did than for any other historical character (of more than a few hundred years ago).

True of Counterfeit? ~ Scripture does tell us that Satan not only moves around as a “roaring lion.”  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11).

It is vitally important to realize that Satan also uses many deceitful tactics—including appearing as “an angel of light.”  “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

Only Jesus Christ is the true light of the world.  “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

Thought To Think About  ~  In our world today there are many militant anti-Jewish and anti-Christian groups.  Have you ever heard of any wide-spread anti Santa Claus groups (or tooth fairy, Easter bunny).  The reason they don’t exist is they know those are fictional characters.  Jesus Christ is attacked because He is real—and to admit He is real has consequences!

Conclusion  ~  I’d rather celebrate Jesus Christ this CHRISTmas season because it just makes so much sense when it’s all about Him.

additional note  ~  If you appreciated this post you might like previous posts entitled “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ” (December 24, 2015) and “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 2” (December 25, 2016).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 2

~ Counterfeit Santa Claus – What An Imitation! ~  

Consider what the Word of God says about Jesus Christ.  In each case consider the image of Santa Claus and how it parallels (masquerades as) the truth of Jesus Christ!  

HIS APPEARANCE

Bearded ~ Jesus Christ: “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).  santa claus: Santa always wears a beard. 

White Hair  ~  Jesus Christ: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14).  santa claus: Santa always has white hair.

Red Apparel ~ Jesus Christ: “Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with His garments stained crimson?  Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength?  ‘It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.’  Why are Your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?” (Isaiah 63:1-2).  santa claus: Santa is always dressed in red.

HIS OCCUPATION & WORK

Carpenter ~ Jesus Christ: “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3a).  santa claus: Santa is the master toy carpenter as he directs his elves. 

Sits On a Throne ~ Jesus Christ: “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom’” (Hebrews 1:8).  santa claus: Santa sits on a throne as he communicates with children. 

Giver of Gifts ~ Jesus Christ: “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:8).  santa claus: Santa is the source of magical appearing gifts for everyone. 

Desires Children to Come to Him ~ Jesus Christ: “But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God’” (Mark 10:14).  santa claus: Come sit on Santa’s lap. 

Commands Children to Obey Their Parents ~ Jesus Christ: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).  santa claus: Santa will withhold the best presents if you do not obey your parents. 

Judges People ~ Jesus Christ: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10b).  santa claus: Santa judges your annual performance. 

HIS ARRIVAL

Comes From the North Where He Lives ~ Jesus Christ: “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2).  santa claus: Santa comes from the North Pole. 

Hour of His coming is a Mystery ~ Jesus Christ said: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40).  santa claus: The actual time of his coming is never disclosed.

Comes As a Thief in the Night ~ Jesus Christ said: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into” (Matthew 24:43).  santa claus: Santa gains entrance even though your home is secured. 

HIS CHARACTERISTICS

All Powerful ~ Jesus Christ: “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia!  For the Lord God Omnipotent [all powerful] reigns!” (Revelation 19:6).  santa claus: Santa can deliver all toys to all the world in one night.

All Knowing ~ Jesus Christ: “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20).  santa claus: Santa claims to know if you’ve been good or bad throughout the entire year.

Present Everywhere ~ Jesus Christ:  “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).  santa claus: Santa must be able to be everywhere to deliver toys around the world in one night.

Ageless / Eternal ~ Jesus Christ said: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’” (Revelation 1:8).  santa claus: The legend of Santa lives on from generation to generation. 

HIS UNIQUENESS

Lives inside Men ~ Jesus Christ: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).  santa claus: Santa lives in the hearts of children everywhere. 

Absolute Truth ~ Jesus Christ: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).  santa claus: Whatever Santa judges is the final verdict. 

Fulfills Every Need ~ Jesus Christ: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  santa claus: Just behave and ask Santa and it will be given you.

Worthy of Our Prayers and Our Worship ~ Jesus Christ: “But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him’” (Hebrews 1:6).  

santa claus: Prayers and adoration are regularly offered to “St. Nick” in many parts of the world.

SPEECH

"Ho, ho, ho…”  ~ Jesus Christ:  “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’” (Isaiah 6:3).  santa claus: Santa is known by his familiar, “Ho, Ho, Ho.”

TITLES

Everlasting Father ~ Jesus Christ: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). (Hebrews 12:2).  santa claus: Santa is known in many areas of the world as “Father Christmas.” 

Christ Child ~ Jesus Christ: “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’ (Matthew 1:23).  santa claus: “Kris Kringle” in the German and Austrian tradition is literally Christ Child (or Christ-like). 

Lord of Hosts ~ Jesus Christ: “‘And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien — because they do not fear Me,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:5).  santa claus:  Santa reigns over a host of elves. 

Prince of Peace ~ Jesus Christ: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  santa claus: To many Santa is a symbol of world peace. 

The Image of God ~ Jesus Christ: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:1-4).  santa claus: Some see Santa as a God image. 

additional notes  ~  [1] Satan not only moves around as a “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) but also uses many deceitful tactics—including appearing as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).  Only Jesus Christ is the true light of the world (John 8:12). 

[2] If you appreciated this post you might like the original post entitled “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ” (December 24, 2015).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.  

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .