Jesus vs. Santa

Welcome:

One more announcement: Kayse moving

Introduction

I was having lunch with a friend of mine this past week. While having conversations during lunch, my friend mentioned that some of his children still believe in Santa Claus. When asked about what Amber and I will tell our children concerning Santa, I told him that we plan on teaching our kids the truth about Santa.

Just to make sure, before I continue we’re not recording tonight’s lesson right? Ok, good!

I told my friend that we plan on teaching our kids the truth about Santa. That Santa is (pause for effect) dead.

If you haven’t learned this already, I’m sorry that I have to be the one breaking the news to you. But yes, Santa is dead.

Not only will we teach the truth about Santa but we want to teach our kids about the truth of Jesus Christ.

This evening for around 10 min I want to share with you our plan. Partly because I’m super excited to be a father in Feb. but also partly because Amber and I view each of you as our spiritual children. We love you, care about you, and pray for you. We also want you to know the truth. With that said, let’s get started.

DRAW- Venn Diagram on white board “Jesus” and “Santa”

Under the circle of what is shared between Jesus and Santa.

Both lived earthly lives

Jesus -

Santa (St. Nicholas)- (AD 270—343)

Both gave gifts

a. Jesus- gives people forgiveness from their sins

b. Santa- helped the poor

3. Both are celebrated at Christmas

a. Jesus- People celebrate His birth.

b. Santa- People dress up like Santa in Malls to remember the death of St. Nicholas.

Under the circle of what is unique to Santa

Santa who’s real name is St. Nicholas had wealthy parents.

2. St. Nicholas was a Christ follower who is known for generosity.

3. He died on Dec. 6th of AD 343.

Under the circle of what is unique to Jesus

Eternally existed with God the Father in heaven before being born as fully God and fully man. (Col. 1:15-17)

Colossians 1:15–17 CSB

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.

Died for sins of the world. (Rom. 6:23)

Romans 6:23 CSB

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

He arose back to life three days later.

Proving that He is God and that He can give all humanity hope of having life after death. (1 Jn 5:20)

1 John 5:20 CSB

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true one. We are in the true one—that is, in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.