Not A Cunningly Designed Fable

Not a Cunningly Devised Fable

2 Peter 1:16-21

Myths and legends can be powerful teachers of morality. This is why they have been used from time immemorial. They speak of something greater than the story itself. They can be based upon some degree of fact, but this is not necessary for the truth conveyed by the fable to be valid. For example, there was probably a King Midas, who is the subject of a fable that he had asked that everything he touched might turn to gold. The story goes on to state that when his daughter came into contact with him, she turned to gold also. Midas then realized that there was something more valuable than gold. There are many other examples I could cite, but this teaches the basic power of a myth.

When the Roman Empire became “Christian” under Constantine, some 3oo years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, it became necessary to teach a large number of people quickly about the Christian faith. The people knew the legends of the gods, but they did not know Jesus. Deliberations were made on how to teach the Christian faith. So they incorporated myths and “Christianized” them. They in a sense baptized Paganism. So the fertility festival of Asherah (also known as Isis, Artemis or Diana) became the Christian Easter. Part of the more innocuous of the old festival, such as painting of eggs, bunnies, and the rites of spring were used to teach the Resurrection of Jesus. These legends persist to this day, and churches run riot to have Easter Egg hunts for the children. As society becomes more Pagan, this is all Easter means for some people. It’s all about Peter Cottontail, carrying his colorful plastic eggs in a basket full of green confetti, resembling grass. It’s about children having fun rather than the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Another fable used by the church is Santa Claus. As I noted before, myths can have a basis in fact. There was a Greek bishop 1500 years ago called St. Nicholas. His claim to fame is his generosity to poor maidens who could not afford the dowry needed to get married. So, St. Nicholas put gold in their stockings. This is certainly laudable on the man’s part. But St. Nicholas morphed into Father Christmas, and then into what is today known as Santa Claus or St. Nick. The man in the red suit is a far cry removed from the original saint.

Santa Claus has been quite secularized. Jewish people wanted to be able to share in the American celebration of Christmas. But they needed to do this without the birth of their Messiah, which most deny. So Santa became the replacement for the baby Jesus in the manger. As a matter of fact, Santa becomes a replacement for the Lord Jesus as well. It isn’t Jesus any more who knows if you are naughty or nice, it is Santa Claus. A lump of coal replaces the fire of hell for the wicked. If you are bad, then you get a lump of coal. If you are good, toys and goodies proceed from his sleigh. So be good for goodness’ sake rather than for God’s sake. The value of Christmas is how much the economy is stimulated. It isn’t about God’s gift to the world, it’s about the value of the gifts we get.

I don’t want to be another modern Christmas fable called the “grinch,” but if this is what Christmas is about, then it is an utter failure. Think of the damage actually done to the economy as a result of Christmas. The manufacturers have to pay overtime and build extra warehouses for all the Christmas gifts. Workers have to be paid overtime in the stores. Then these workers have to collect unemployment in January. Then there are the steep discounts offered after Christmas to rid the excess inventory. If people celebrated their own birthdays rather than Christmas, buying of gifts would be distributed throughout the year. People always to spend a little more than they make, so the more even distribution of goods throughout the year would actually increase business profits. But who am I to advise all the economists? That isn’t my concern. My concern is that Christmas has been hijacked.

Yet in our churches. Santa, rather someone dressed up as Santa will make his appearance to children. Santa is ubiquitous. He’s is in many different churches and malls at the same time. Of course, in the church, we make sure Santa gives a nod and bow before the baby Jesus doll in the manger. We use Santa to buttress the truth of the gospel. But is tis a good idea?

I can remember reading about a young girl named Virginia who was devastated to hear that Santa Claus was not real. An ingenious editor answered Virginia with a memorable article. “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” he replied. But the Santa he describes is a legend. Santa is everywhere there is an act of kindness or love. This is how he exists.